Shooting to wound refers to attempts to use a
firearm
A firearm is any type of gun designed to be readily carried and used by an individual. The term is legally defined further in different countries (see Legal definitions).
The first firearms originated in 10th-century China, when bamboo tubes ...
to harm someone without killing them. It is controversial since the unpredictable nature of
firearm wounds could result in the wound failing to incapacitate the target; it may accidentally kill or miss the target, the latter presents a risk of unintended casualties.
Limbs are one main area often targeted when shooting to wound. However, limbs are smaller and can be moved faster and more radically than the
torso
The torso or trunk is an anatomical term for the central part, or the core, of the body of many animals (including humans), from which the head, neck, limbs, tail and other appendages extend. The tetrapod torso — including that of a human â ...
, so the option of shooting to wound is generally viewed with skepticism by
law enforcement
Law enforcement is the activity of some members of government who act in an organized manner to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society. The term en ...
in the United States.
There are numerous variables when determining how severe a gunshot wound is, such as the bullet's size, velocity, and trajectory; the type of firearm is also essential in the examination. The severity is also dependent on the location of the wound; individuals who suffer gunshot wounds require specific medical procedures to reduce the likelihood of death, permanent disability, or other complications; they also require immediate medical services. Even if the victim survives, they may have a permanent disability, trauma, or lifelong damage as a result of the wound.
See also
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Warning shot
In military and police contexts, a warning shot is an intentionally harmless artillery shot or gunshot with intent to enact direct compliance and order to a hostile perpetrator or enemy forces. It is recognized as signalling intended confronta ...
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Non-lethal weapon
Non-lethal weapons, also called nonlethal weapons, less-lethal weapons, less-than-lethal weapons, non-deadly weapons, compliance weapons, or pain-inducing weapons are weapons intended to be less likely to kill a living target than conventional ...
References
Firearms
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