Colour as a basic feature in comparative studies of fibre microtraces

Abstract

Forensic evidence in the form of fibres is recovered in cases involving sexual offenses, assault, murder and road accidents. In the event when a connection between persons is determined, fibres transferred from an offender’s to a victim’s clothing and vice versa are sought for. Colour is the first physico-chemical property verified during forensic analysis. Any colour differences between materials recovered at the crime scene and those originating from a suspect's clothing suggestthat fibres cannot have come from the same source. The aim ofthis article is to introduce the colour-related issues as they pertain to forensic fibre evidence.