History of Hair/Fiber Analysis

The History of Hair and Fiber Analysis did not begin until recently but has been in the arsenal of the prosecution (possibly the defense). The first known use of this technique in the United States was in Georgia during the Leo Frank trial. Frank, a New York Jewish man was convicted of raping "Little" Mary Phagan. Hairs in Frank's office matched in color with those on Phagan's head which was a key victory for the proosecution.

The last 30 year, the advent of hair/fiber analysis has grown in importance. In one situation in a video we watched in Lab class, the fibers of a man's bed were found on rape victims which was the evidence the police needed to arrest him. Through the use of microscopy, forensic scientists may match evidence in a criminal case with other evidence found on the accused. This method is a great one for it is almost impossible for anyone to not leave any hairs or fibers at any one place.