What does physical evidence refer to?

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected and analyzed in a legal context. This includes material objects such as weapons, drugs, or any physical artifacts that can be used to establish facts in a case. The significance of physical evidence lies in its ability to provide objective data that can support or refute claims made during investigations and legal proceedings.

For instance, when a crime has been committed, items directly linked to the crime scene, such as a weapon used, fingerprints, or traces of a substance, fall under this category. They can be scientifically tested and can present concrete evidence to investigators and juries, thus playing a critical role in the judicial system.

The other options do not represent physical evidence. Witness statements, while important, are considered testimonial evidence. Documents and records serve as documentary evidence, lacking the tangible quality of physical items. Inferred conclusions represent interpretative insights based on evidence but do not constitute physical evidence themselves.