1st Edition
Scientific and Legal Applications of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation
Since 1955 when Dr. Paul Kirk first presented a bloodstain evidence affidavit in State of Ohio v. Samuel Sheppard, expert testimony on bloodstain interpretation has gained wide acceptance in U.S. courts. Scientific and Legal Applications of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation brings together some of the most respected and noted experts in forensic science, the law, and bloodstain interpretation to provide a comprehensive overview of the discipline. It discusses research, applications, and the current view of bloodstain pattern interpretation within the legal system at the trial and appellate court levels, as well as scientific approaches and developments in the field.
Scientific and Legal Applications of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation will help attorneys who are questioning and cross-examining expert witnesses have a good working knowledge of bloodstain interpretation. Included is a full-color atlas of bloodstains, in conjunction with a glossary of terms and an outline of basic laboratory experiments that are commonly used in the discipline.
Among the outstanding contributions in this volume you will find:
Misinterpretation and overinterpretation of bloodstain evidence can occur in our courts of law-be prepared to effectively analyze the evidence and the testimony with Scientific and Legal Applications of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation.
Abstract
Methodology
Two Angles and a Distance
Attributes
Orientation
Surface Designation
Establishing the Flight Path
Solving for the Slope of the Flight Path
Data-Basing
Solving for the Point of Intersection
Calculating the Value of the Third Coordinate
Calculating the Distance from Stain to PO
Units
Other Objects and Surfaces
Observations
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with a Computer, Alfred L. Carter
Introduction
Part I-Computing the String Direction
Part II-Actual Flight Paths Compared to Virtual Strings
Part III-The Virtual String Analysis of a Bloodstain Pattern Using BackTrack/Win
Utilizing Bloodstains in Accident Reconstruction, William C. Fischer
Introduction
Relative Motion
Pattern Recognition
Case Examples
The Use of Presumptive Testing for Blood, T. Paulette Sutton
Introduction
Presumptive Tests for Blood
Presumptive Test Mechanism
Benzidine Test
Benzidine Test Reagent-Single Stage
Benzidine Test Reagent-Two Stage
ortho-Toluidine Test
Hemastix® Test
Leucomalachite Green Test-Single Stage
Leucomalachite Green Test-Two Stage
Phenolphthalein Test
Luminol Test
Sensitivity of Presumptive Tests for Blood
False Positives
Results of Study
Terminology and Color Atlas of Bloodstains and Patterns, Stuart H. James
Approach to Case Evaluation and Report Writing, Paul Erwin Kish
Approaching Bloodstain Pattern Cases
Sequence for Approaching Bloodstain Pattern Cases
Factors to Consider When Analyzing a Bloodstain Pattern Case
The Bloodstain Report
Legal and Ethical Aspects of Bloodstain Pattern Evidence, Carol Henderson
Introduction
Legal Issues
Direct and Cross Examination of the Expert
Ethical Issues
Conclusion
Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation-A Post-Conviction Analysis, Marie Elena Saccoccio
Introduction
A Bit of History
The Post-Conviction Attorney's Role-So Daunting a Task
The Appeal
Admissibility
The Collateral Attack
Conclusion
Outline of Basic Laboratory Experiments for Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation, Stuart H. James
The Volume of a Drop of Blood
Diameter of a Bloodstain Produced by Single Drops of Blood of Constant Volume as a Function of Distance Fallen and Surface Texture
Effect of Surface Texture on Spatter of Blood Drops and the Size and Edge Characteristics of the Resultant Bloodstains
Bloodstain Shape vs. Angle of Impact
Angular Impact Produced by Horizontal Motion
Drip Patterns of Blood and Splashed Blood vs. Distance Fallen
Projected Blood vs. Distance Fallen and Blood Projected on Vertical Surfaces
Cast-Off Bloodstains
Medium-Velocity Impact Blood Spatter
High-Velocity Impact Blood Spatter
Recognition of Blood Contact-Transfer Patterns, Swipes or Smears, Smudges and Wipes of Blood
Blood Volume vs. Bloodstained Area
Bloodstain Size vs. Horizontal Projection
Clotting and Drying Time of Blood
Presumptive Testing of Blood
Appendix 1: Affidavit of Paul Leland Kirk (State of Ohio v. Samuel H. Sheppard
Appendix 2: Illustrative Testimony-A Motion in Limine for the Admissibility of Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation
Appendix 3: Court Decisions Relating to Bloodstain Pattern Interpretation
Appendix 4: Court Decisions Relating to Presumptive Blood Testing
Appendix 5: Trigonometric Tables
Index
Biography
Stuart H. James