An analysis is performed to evaluate failure of composite pin-loaded joints with elliptical holes using two-dimensional stress analyses and a modified two parameter characteristic curve model. Characteristic dimensions in compression and tension that defines the characteristic curve are obtained using the point stress failure criterion and joint strength evaluated using the Yamada-Sun failure criterion. To determine the contact stresses, joint stress analysis utilized complex stress functions obtained from assumed displacement expressions that satisfy the boundary conditions around the hole. The material properties of AS4/3502 graphite/epoxy laminates are used in this investigation and the analysis reveals that joint strength is found to vary with the ratio of plate width to the major diameter of the hole.