Forensic Science: Evidence Types

Evidence that places someone at the scene of a crime is ALWAYS what type of evidence?

• Physical Evidence

• Direct Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

• Transient Evidence

Answer explanation

Circumstantial evidence indicates someone was in circumstances related to the crime without directly indicating they committed that crime.

Evidence that only exists for a short period of time is what type of evidence?

• Direct Evidence

• Testimonial Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

• Transient Evidence

Which of the following is NOT an example of physical evidence?

• A witness statement

• A footprint

• A fingerprint

• A drop of blood

Which type of evidence (if true) involves stating a suspect committed the crime?

• Individual Evidence

• Direct Evidence

• Class Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

What is the difference between class and individual evidence?

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Answer explanation

Class evidence can be linked to a group of people or things (blonde people, Ford Trucks). Individual evidence can be linked to just one person or thing (Charlie, the ford truck with license plate ABC555).

What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

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Answer explanation

Direct evidence directly states or shows that a person committed the crime (someone saw it, there's a video, etc.). Circumstantial evidence says a person was at the scene, was holding a relevant object, etc. (fingerprints, DNA, impressions, etc.).

Someone claims to have seen a pickpocket grab a wallet, and gives a physical description of her. What type(s) of evidence is this?

• Testimonial evidence

• Physical Evidence

• Direct Evidence

• Circumstantial Evidence

Forensic scientists examine a loose hair, and are able to determine its color and thickness, but are not able to extract DNA. Which type of evidence is this?

• Class

• Individual

Forensic Scientists are able to extract both the blood type and the DNA from a blood sample. Which type of evidence is this?

• Class

• Individual

Locard's exchange principle states that "With ____________, there is a trace".