The Judges' Rules
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X4902200106 |
| Author | H. S. Kemble |
| Published date | 01 January 1949 |
| Date | 01 January 1949 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
THE
POLICE
JOURNAL
It
is a '32 automatic Colt pistol cartridge
of'
V.M.C.' make, and
is suitable for use out of all '32 (7,65 mm.) automatic pistols.
(a)
Its
rim bears many scratches
...
evidence of frequent
loading and unloading without firing.
(b) (c)
It
bears the heavier claw marks on rim and
tube
of the
extractor after firing.
(d)
There
are breech-face markings on its cap.
(e)
It
bears an oddly shaped striker hole with a peculiarly shaped
base.
The
major markings
(b)
(d) and
(e)
are individual markings
peculiar to the weapon which fired it.
An examination under
the
comparator-microscope of these two
fired cases gives nothing
but
positive results.
The
breech-face
markings and striker markings are identical and in exact relative
positions, as also is the position of the extractor mark in relation to the
above.
My conclusions are
that
both cases were shot from the same
'32 automatic pistol and, if necessary, a series of photo-micrographs
can be prepared to illustrate my findings.'
Boyce was convicted of murder upon this scientific and a great
deal of supporting circumstantial evidence at trial at the Old Bailey,
London, in September 1946, and execution followed on November
rst
at Pentonville.
The
trial marked a new phase in the identification of a firearm
by means of spent shell-cases, the evidence afforded by two identical
shells being considered adequate in the absence of the weapon which
fired them. Divisional Detective-Inspector Ball's pertinacity in the
investigation of the firearm had produced unexpected details of
evidence which had proved sufficient to convict.
The Judges' Rules
By H. S.
KEMBLE
Chief Superintendent,
Southampton
Borough Police
IF we take Stone's Justices' Manual and look in the index we find
under
"Judge
in
Chambers"
the reference
"judges'
rules for
guidance of the Police," and then turning to the appropriate page
(No. 291 in Stone for 1947) we
see"
Statements by Persons Suspected
of Crime or by Prisoners in Police Custody."
Iremember once, as a young constable deeply engaged in studying
for the promotion examination to sergeant, travelling in a train with an
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