Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Genuine or Junk?
This CLE program offers a detailed and critical analysis of bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) as a forensic discipline. Viewers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how BPA is supposed to function as a science—examining its standards of terminology, testability, reproducibility, and peer review—and where it often falls short in real-world forensic practice. The speaker explains the historical development of BPA, critiques its common courtroom applications, and outlines the major concerns raised in the 2009 NAS Report and subsequent error rate studies, especially regarding contextual bias and the misuse of terminology.
Criminal defense lawyers will benefit from learning how to effectively evaluate BPA testimony and challenge its admissibility or credibility in court. The session highlights red flags in expert CVs, reports, and case files—such as incestuous training, absence of peer review, and unsupported conclusions—that defense attorneys can use to undermine the reliability of prosecution witnesses. Particular attention is given to BPA on fabric surfaces, where error rates are significantly higher and wrongful convictions have occurred. Viewers will walk away with tactical questions to ask during cross-examination and criteria for scrutinizing the methodology, certification, and bias of bloodstain experts. This program is essential for any defense lawyer looking to challenge flawed forensic evidence and hold the government’s case to the proper burden of proof.
Amy Santoro is the owner of Santoro Forensic Consulting, a consulting firm offering services in the area of bloodstain pattern analysis, shooting incident reconstruction, crime scene reconstruction, and forensic case file reviews. She has been a forensic scientist since 2008, with experience in both forensic biology and crime scene investigations. She is a certified senior crime scene analyst, certified bloodstain pattern analyst, and certified forensic photographer. In addition to casework, Amy teaches graduate students and trains forensic professionals across the country. She is an Assistant Professor of Practice at Texas Tech University, teaching in the Master of Forensic Science for professionals program. She also teaches forensic professionals nationwide as an instructor with Tritech Forensics. She is a doctoral candidate, performing a dissertation focused on error rates in the area of bloodstain pattern classification.
CLE State Accreditation
- General 1.00
- General CLE-HI: 1.00
- General CLE-SD: 1.00
- General CLE-NY: 1.20
- General CLE-CA: 1.00
- General CLE-IL: 1.00
- General CLE-AK: 1.00
- General CLE-MD: 1.00
- General CLE-VT: 1.00
- General CLE-MA: 1.00
- General CLE-DC: 1.00
- General CLE-ND: 1.00
- General CLE-OR: 1.00
- General CLE-WA: 1.00
- General CLE-CT: 1.00
- General CLE-NH: 1.00
- General CLE-FL: 1.20
- General CLE-VI: 1.00
- General CLE-AZ: 1.00
CLE State Accreditation:
- General 1.00
- General CLE-HI: 1.00
- General CLE-SD: 1.00
- General CLE-NY: 1.20
- General CLE-CA: 1.00
- General CLE-IL: 1.00
- General CLE-AK: 1.00
- General CLE-MD: 1.00
- General CLE-VT: 1.00
- General CLE-MA: 1.00
- General CLE-DC: 1.00
- General CLE-ND: 1.00
- General CLE-OR: 1.00
- General CLE-WA: 1.00
- General CLE-CT: 1.00
- General CLE-NH: 1.00
- General CLE-FL: 1.20
- General CLE-VI: 1.00
- General CLE-AZ: 1.00
