Physical evidence refers to any tangible object that can furnish some degree of proof or disproof in a judicial proceeding. It can be used to establish an element of a crime, connect a suspect with the crime, identify the criminal, or clear an innocent person. Physical evidence can include anything from objects like the murder weapon, blood spatter, DNA, fingerprints, footprints, bodily fluids, and even body tissue. Physical evidence is a key component in solving crimes.

Physical evidence can be used to determine how a crime was committed, connect a suspect with the crime, or identify the criminal. It can also be used to clear an innocent person. Physical evidence is crucial in identifying an offender, and footprints, fingerprints, handwriting, vocal characteristics, stance, stride, gestures, or blood characteristics can be used as physical evidence.

The development of physical evidence can be outlined as follows: recognizing obvious and potential physical evidence, gathering or collecting the evidence, correctly marking and packaging evidence, preventing contamination or alteration of the evidence, and maintaining the continuity of the custodial chain. Failure to observe any of these steps may ruin an investigation or render any laboratory findings useless.

In summary, physical evidence is any material object that plays some role in the matter that gave rise to the litigation, introduced as evidence in a judicial proceeding to prove a fact in issue based on the objects physical characteristics. Physical evidence can be used to establish an element of a crime, connect a suspect with the crime, identify the criminal, or clear an innocent person. Physical evidence can include anything from objects like the murder weapon, blood spatter, DNA, fingerprints, footprints, bodily fluids, and even body tissue.