The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Primitive ballistic weapons are used in great numbers in Zululand, South Africa. Their manufacture reflects various degrees of skill. A case with a bullet and a cartridge in the victim is discussed, and a representative pictorial exhibition of weapons is presented.
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In the United States, there is currently an epidemic of firearms violence. Among victims of this violence, there are striking racial and ethnic patterns in the manners and circumstances of death. This study was conducted to explore and quantitate some of these differences. ⋯ The data suggest that the subtypes, psychodynamics, and causes of suicide may currently differ among racial and ethnic groups. These differences should be considered in order to formulate adequate prevention strategies and to assess the suicide and homicide risk in depressed individuals. The difficulty of accurate death certification in some cases is also discussed.