Question

1. some blond hairs were found on the gloves of a suspected kidnapper who has brown hair. would they be considered class or individual evidence?
2. a bloody knife has been found in the backyard of a murder suspect. under what circumstances could it be individualized? or will it remain class evidence?
3. are tire impressions such as these individual or class evidence? explain.
4. can it be determined whether these bullets and casings were fired from the same gun? how can bullets be individualized to a gun? explain.
5. some powder was found in a plastic bag in a suspects pocket. some similar powder was found on the victim. can the first powder be individualized to the second powder? explain. if the two powders were determined to be chemically identical, does that prove they came from the same source?

Explanation:

1. Hair without DNA analysis is usually class - evidence. Since the blond hairs found on the brown - haired suspect's gloves lack DNA information, they are class evidence.
2. If the knife has unique markings like tool - marks on the blade or handle, fingerprints, or DNA from the victim that can be linked specifically to the crime, it can be individualized. Otherwise, it remains class evidence.
3. Tire impressions are generally class evidence as many tires of the same make and model can create similar impressions. However, if there are unique wear patterns, cuts, or damage to the tire that are reflected in the impression, it can be individualized.
4. Bullets and casings can be compared to a gun through microscopic examination of the striations (marks) left on the bullet by the gun's barrel and the firing pin impression on the casing. If the marks match, the bullets can be individualized to a specific gun.
5. Powder is usually class evidence. Just because two powders are chemically similar does not prove they came from the same source as many substances can have similar chemical compositions.

Answer:

1. Class evidence.
2. It can be individualized if there are unique markings, fingerprints or victim's DNA on it; otherwise, it remains class evidence.
3. Generally class evidence, but can be individualized if there are unique wear patterns or damage.
4. Yes, through microscopic examination of striations on bullets and firing - pin impressions on casings. Bullets can be individualized to a gun if the marks match.
5. Usually class evidence. Chemical similarity does not prove same source.