The Probative Value of Bloodstains on Clothing

The evidential value of the results from grouping bloodstains on clothing connected with crime investigations is normally related to the frequency of occurrence of the bloodgroups which have been identified in these stains. Insufficient account is taken of the probative value of blood occurring on clothing alone. Neither is proper account made of the discriminating value of bloodstaining when this is of a group different from the wearer of that clothing. Two recent large scale murder investigations involving the examination of 1737 articles of clothing for the presence of bloodstaining have allowed a detailed assessment to be made of these factors.