Question

classification of evidence
evidence can be classified as either direct or circumstantial. direct evidence is evidence that directly establishes a fact in an investigation. circumstantial evidence is less absolute and only implies a fact.
part a. for each piece of evidence below, classify as circumstantial or direct.
circumstantial evidence can be further classified as either biological or physical. biological evidence is derived from a person, plant or mineral. such evidence would include dna, natural fibers and hair. all other evidence is considered physical and includes items such as prints, glass fragments, and bullets. for each piece of circumstantial evidence below, further classify as either biological or physical.
evidence classification
ransom note
police confession from suspect
paint transferred to vehicle
gunshot residue
glass fragments
a thief caught stealing from wal - mart
body fluids
dna
fingerprints
bite marks on a victims body
hairs
fibers
eye - witness accounts
a hit and run accident caught on film
a toxicology report that confirms that a victim used drugs
cell phone records
tool marks
tire prints
a signed confession from a suspect
police surveillance footage

Explanation:

1. Ransom note: Circumstantial - doesn't directly prove who sent it. Physical - not derived from a living source.
2. Police confession from suspect: Direct - directly admits to something.
3. Paint transferred to vehicle: Circumstantial - implies a connection. Physical - non - biological.
4. Gunshot residue: Circumstantial - implies a shooting event. Physical - not biological.
5. Glass fragments: Circumstantial - implies a breakage event. Physical - non - biological.
6. A thief caught stealing from Wal - mart: Direct - caught in the act.
7. Body fluids: Circumstantial - implies a presence. Biological - from a living source.
8. DNA: Circumstantial - implies a connection. Biological - from a living source.
9. Fingerprints: Circumstantial - implies a presence. Physical - non - biological.
10. Bite marks on a victim's body: Circumstantial - implies an attack. Biological - from a living source.
11. Hairs: Circumstantial - implies a presence. Biological - from a living source.
12. Fibers: Circumstantial - implies a connection. Biological if natural, physical if synthetic.
13. Eye - witness accounts: Direct - directly describes an event.
14. A hit and run accident caught on film: Direct - directly shows the event.
15. A toxicology report that confirms that a victim used drugs: Direct - directly confirms drug use.
16. Cell phone records: Circumstantial - implies communication or location. Physical - non - biological.
17. Tool marks: Circumstantial - implies tool use. Physical - non - biological.
18. Tire prints: Circumstantial - implies vehicle presence. Physical - non - biological.
19. A signed confession from a suspect: Direct - directly admits guilt.
20. Police surveillance footage: Direct - directly shows events.

Answer:

1. Ransom note: Circumstantial, Physical
2. Police confession from suspect: Direct
3. Paint transferred to vehicle: Circumstantial, Physical
4. Gunshot residue: Circumstantial, Physical
5. Glass fragments: Circumstantial, Physical
6. A thief caught stealing from Wal - mart: Direct
7. Body fluids: Circumstantial, Biological
8. DNA: Circumstantial, Biological
9. Fingerprints: Circumstantial, Physical
10. Bite marks on a victim's body: Circumstantial, Biological
11. Hairs: Circumstantial, Biological
12. Fibers: Circumstantial, Biological/Physical
13. Eye - witness accounts: Direct
14. A hit and run accident caught on film: Direct
15. A toxicology report that confirms that a victim used drugs: Direct
16. Cell phone records: Circumstantial, Physical
17. Tool marks: Circumstantial, Physical
18. Tire prints: Circumstantial, Physical
19. A signed confession from a suspect: Direct
20. Police surveillance footage: Direct