Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes

by William G. Eckert (Editor), Stuart H. James (Editor)

As witnessed in landmark criminal cases, the quality and integrity of bloodstain evidence can be a crucial factor in determining a verdict. Since the first edition of Interpretation of Bloodstain Evidence at Crime Scenes was published nearly a decade ago, bloodstain pattern interpretation has continued to grow as a branch of forensic science. Revised and updated to reflect new technology and developments in the field, the second edition is packed with new information and illustrations-including 421 photographs and diagrams of improved quality that will aid in interpretation of evidence.
Expanding on a single chapter presented in the bestselling first edition, the second edition details, in four chapters, an introduction to bloodstain interpretation; low-velocity impact and angular considerations; medium and high-velocity impact; and the significance of partially dried, clotted, aged, and physically altered bloodstains in four new chapters. A full chapter on the detection of blood with luminol, featuring high-quality, full-color photographs of luminol reactions, has been added. This new edition also includes 12 new case studies in addition to 8 original case studies from the first edition that have been retained for their interpretative value.
Everyone involved in crime scene evaluation and interpretation-law enforcement officers, criminologists, medical examiners, forensic pathologists, medicolegal personnel, and prosecutors and defense attorneys-will benefit from the improved and expanded second edition of this definitive reference.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 1998

Reviews

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this volume highly interesting and informative. The case studies with illustrative photos were particularly useful to me. I recommend to anyone interested in forensics, or writers doing research. I know the volume is 20 years old, so I would use it as a starting point and look for more up to date material. However the basic science, logic and maths should not change.

[Cozette Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very in depth science and explanation. The big difference for me was the case examples and showing how to put the applications of BSPA into practice