1. Explain the terms area of convergence and area of origin and explain what each term reveals to an investigator.
1. A two dimensional plane where lines traced though the long axis of, several individual bloodstains meet. Two dimensional places from which the bloodstains were projected
2. Explain the difference between forward spatter and back spatter and identify which is more likely to be deposited on the object of the person creating the impact.
2. Forward spatter, blood that travels away from the source in the same direction as the force that caused the spatter. Back spatter is blood that is directed back toward the source of the the force that caused the spatter. The back spatter will be deposited on the object of the person creating the impact.
3. Explain what determines the size of blood drops in a cast-off pattern.
3. The size is related to the size of the point from which they was propelled. Drops propelled from a small or pointed surface will be smaller and the pattern is linear. The drops from a larger or blunt surface will be larger and the pattern wider. The volume of blood deposited on an object from the source also affects the size and number of droplets.
4. How can investigator tell the direction of travel of blood from the shape of a bloodstain?
4. The pointed end of a bloodstain always faces its direction of travel.
5. What is a void pattern? How might a void pattern be useful to investigators?
5. An area within a deposited spatter pattern that is clear of spatter, caused by an object or person blocking the area at the time of the spatter’s deposition. Blood splatter made on an object that blocks the target surface, the blank space on the surface of object.
6. Name and describe two methods for documenting bloodstain patterns.
