What is an example of physical evidence in a criminal case?

Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can be collected and analyzed in the context of a criminal investigation. In this case, a weapon or a piece of clothing serves as a direct link to the crime scene or the suspect, making it an integral part of the physical evidence available to law enforcement. This type of evidence can be subjected to forensic analysis, which can provide crucial information about the events that transpired, the identity of individuals involved, or corroborate witness statements and other forms of evidence.

In contrast, witness statements, security camera footage, and police reports, while valuable, do not fall into the category of physical evidence. Witness statements are subjective accounts provided by individuals who may have witnessed the events. Security camera footage, although recorded visually, is considered documentary evidence rather than physical. Police reports are official documents summarizing investigations and findings; they capture information based on inquiries but do not constitute physical evidence themselves.