ABSTRACT
The most important consideration of an exit wound is that it be correctly assessed as such. Many cases are on record where an exit wound has been mistaken for an entry wound. This has a great impact on the final report, and if an incorrect assessment has been made, it may well have catastrophic repercussions at the time of inquest or trial. The forensic pathologist may literally be “blown out of the water” in court when it is ascertained that a mistake of this type has been made. All credibility can be lost in an instant.
