Page 30 - Patterns of Murder Blood Spatter
P. 30
Mock
Trial
USING THIS KIT IN THE MOCK TRIAL useful, as prosecution has no evidence to try a
Patterns of Murder contains information regarding suspect. Instead, leave the results as an exercise
the attack on the two victims found at the fishing in blood spatter analysis. If other exercises were
cabin. The evidence collected in this lab cannot performed, a mock trial can help students take all
prove conclusively that a specific person performed of the evidence presented in the investigation and
these violent acts, however this lab does provide available from other kits into account and provide a
details about what occurred during the attack. If more interesting and thorough trial. Information on
everything in the lab was performed correctly you running a mock trial follows.
should have obtained the following information:
BEFORE THE TRIAL
The male victim was discovered near If a more thorough social studies activity is
mediumvelocity spatter suggesting a desired, students may be instructed to read through
hand-held weapon. Low-velocity spatter the procedures for trial of criminal cases and the
was found near the female victim, as was simplified rules of evidence. Additionally, lessons
a piece of slightly bloodied firewood. designed to familiarize students with the court
A bloody object was carried across the system and judicial procedure may prove beneficial.
room between the male and female victim
at a height of approximately 100 cm (3 ft).
The male victim was attacked at least BRAINSTORMING
once while standing, and at least once Using the story and module evidence, list the facts of
while lying on the ground. the case on the board.
No blood spatter was found resulting from
the firewood used as a weapon suggesting Determine, as a class, who should be charged for
that only one blow was made. each crime.
Put students into brainstorming groups. Give all
If Blood Spatter is the only kit done in the Mystery groups five to ten minutes to develop hypotheses
of Lyle and Louise, a mock trial is unlikely to be for each of the following:
30 THE MYSTERY OF LYLE AND LOUISE
