ABSTRACT
The purpose of the bloodstain pattern analysis report is to convey the opinions of the bloodstain analyst to the attorneys, to the court, and ultimately to the jury. The opinions expressed within the bloodstain report must be substantiated scientifically. Reports allow those in the judicial system opportunity to review the analyst’s opinions as well as the basis of those opinions prior to actually presenting testimony. The report should be concise and worded in a manner that will allow it to be understood by those completely unfamiliar with the discipline. The bloodstain pattern report should be a completely objective and unbiased work product of the bloodstain pattern analyst. In reality, the only substantial difference between a report requested by the prosecution versus one requested by the defense should be the person making the request.
