Which of the following is an example of physical evidence?

Which of the following is an example of physical evidence?

• A. A witness account of the crime
• B. A weapon used in a crime
• C. A criminal’s confession
• D. A police report

Answer: (B)

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected, analyzed, and presented in a court of law to support or refute claims in a forensic investigation. In this case, a weapon used in a crime is classified as physical evidence because it is an actual object that can be examined for fingerprints, DNA, and other forensic analyses that may link it to the perpetrator or the crime itself. In contrast, a witness account of the crime is considered testimonial evidence because it relies on a person's recollection and observation. A criminal’s confession, while incredibly important, is also testimonial and is not a physical object but rather a verbal or written admission of guilt. A police report, although an important document in investigating a crime, is administrative in nature and does not represent physical evidence that can be scientifically examined. Thus, the weapon is the most fitting example of physical evidence in this context.

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected, analyzed, and presented in a court of law to support or refute claims in a forensic investigation. In this case, a weapon used in a crime is classified as physical evidence because it is an actual object that can be examined for fingerprints, DNA, and other forensic analyses that may link it to the perpetrator or the crime itself.

In contrast, a witness account of the crime is considered testimonial evidence because it relies on a person's recollection and observation. A criminal’s confession, while incredibly important, is also testimonial and is not a physical object but rather a verbal or written admission of guilt. A police report, although an important document in investigating a crime, is administrative in nature and does not represent physical evidence that can be scientifically examined. Thus, the weapon is the most fitting example of physical evidence in this context.