Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Theory and Practice

As witnessed in landmark criminal cases, the quality and integrity of bloodstain evidence can be a crucial factor in determining a verdict. Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory and Practice is an authoritative reference that presents an in-depth investigation of this vital topic. A multidisciplinary approach is presented throughout the book that uses scene and laboratory examinations in conjunction with forensic pathology, forensic serology, and chemical enhancement techniques. Dramatic color images of bloodletting images, bloodstains, and crime scenes are presented to compliment the technical content of this resource.

Bloodstain evidence has become a deciding factor in the outcome of many of the world's most notorious criminal cases. As a result, substantiation of this evidence is crucial to those on either side of the courtroom aisle. The challenge is to obtain an authoritative reference that provides the latest information in a comprehensive and effective manner. Principles of Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Theory and Practice presents an in-depth investigation of this important subject matter. A multidisciplinary approach is presented throughout the book that uses scene and laboratory examinations in conjunction with forensic pathology, forensic serology, and chemical enhancement techniques. Emphasis is on a thought process based on taxonomic classification of bloodstains that takes into account their physical characteristics of size, shape, and distribution, and the specific mechanisms that produce them. Individual chapters analyze case studies, with two chapters specifically discussing the details of legal issues as they pertain to bloodstain pattern analysis. Information highlighted throughout the book includes an examination of bloodstained clothing and footwear and information on bloodstain interpretation for crime scene reconstruction. Dramatic color images of bloodletting injuries, bloodstains, and crime scenes are also presented to compliment the technical content of this resource. Features§ Provides 500 full color photographs - the first bloodstain pattern book presenting dramatic full color images of bloodletting injuries, bloodstains, and crime scenes§ Contains appendices with scientific data that includes trigonometric tables and metric equivalents, as well as crime scene and laboratory check lists, and biohazard safety precautions§ Discloses court decisions relating to bloodstain pattern analysis and presumptive blood testing§ Written by authors with many years of experience in the field, and features chapters contributed by qualified and respected forensic scientists and attorneys

Introduction to Bloodstain Pattern AnalysisMedical and Anatomical Aspects of BloodshedBiological and Physical Properties of Human Blood Physical Properties of Bloodstain Formation Passive Bloodstains Formation of Spatter and Spatter Associated with a Secondary Mechanism Impact Spatter MechanismsSpatter Associated with a Projection Mechanism Altered Bloodstain Patterns Determination of the Area of Convergence and Area of Origin of Bloodstain Patterns Directional Analysis of Bloodstain Patterns with a ComputerDocumentation and Examination of Bloodstain EvidenceEvaluation of Bloodstain Patterns at the Scene Presumptive Testing and Species Determination of Blood and Bloodstains The Detection of Blood Using Luminol Chemical Enhancement of Latent Bloodstain ImpressionsApproaching the Bloodstain Pattern Case Report Writing Legal and Ethical Aspects of Bloodstain Pattern Evidence Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Postconviction and Appellate ApplicationReferencesAppendix A: Trigonometric Tables - Sine and Tangent Functions Appendix B: Metric Measurements and EquivalentsAppendix C: Scene and Laboratory Checklists Appendix D: Biohazard Safety Precautions Appendix E: Court Decisions Relating to Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Appendix F: Court Decisions Relating to Presumptive Blood Tests Glossary of Terminology Index

Stuart H. James, Paul E. Kish, T. Paulette Sutton