Law
Fact-checked

At MyLawQuestions, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Physical Evidence?

Felicia Dye
Felicia Dye

The evidence that is presented during a trial usually plays a major role in the outcome. There are several types of evidence that can be used. One type, physical evidence, refers to items that can be brought into a courtroom for observation. Examples of this type of evidence include a bloody shirt, the mold of a foot print, and a bullet casing.

In many instances, law officials are the first to discover and handle physical evidence. This is because such items are often obtained from crime scenes, meaning that suspects have not been named, and therefore no lawyers are involved at that point. The manner in which this type of evidence is collected and maintained is important because such items can be crucial in winning a case. If it is not obtained according to procedure or it is damaged, it may be deemed inadmissible or useless.

Physical evidence includes items obtained at a crime scene.
Physical evidence includes items obtained at a crime scene.

Law enforcement officers are not the only ones who can jeopardize the use of physical evidence. In most instances, there are procedures a lawyer must follow if she wishes to lawfully obtain such items. There are also procedures she must follow if she expects the court to allow her to admit such evidence for consideration during her arguments.

In some instances, physical evidence is not handled by law enforcement. A surveillance video and a document from the plaintiff or defendant can both serve as physical evidence. It is also important to note that this type of evidence is not limited to criminal proceedings. Such evidence could also be presented in domestic or civil trials.

Physical evidence must be carefully handled so it is not tainted, which could make it inadmissible during a trial.
Physical evidence must be carefully handled so it is not tainted, which could make it inadmissible during a trial.

Physical evidence often supersedes other types of evidence because it is commonly less problematic. For example, testimonial evidence refers to things people say regarding some aspect of a court case. This type of evidence can be riddled with problems such as false statements, faulty memory, or hidden agendas.

The reliability of such evidence can, however, have drastically differing effects. In some instances, such items can be used to confirm what someone has asserted. In other instances, they can disprove or cast doubt upon the things that have been said or alleged. For example, a fingerprint lifted from the crime scene can prove that an individual has indeed visited a place that he has claimed he never visited. Likewise, a photo of the individual at a certain event can prove that at the time of a crime he was not at the crime scene.

Discussion Comments

gregg1956

This is just a side note, but there is also physical evidence in marketing. In marketing, physical evidence refers to packaging, brochures, your uniforms, etc. Just FYI.

zenmaster

Is it possible to win a trial with no physical evidence? For example, what if there are no forensics at the crime scene? Could the case still go forward, or would it just be dropped?

CopperPipe

I'm so glad that you mentioned the importance of appropriate evidence collection, especially when it comes to collecting forensic physical evidence.

When you watch shows like CSI, evidence is just passed around willy-nilly, unless of course it doesn't fit the story line.

However, real physical evidence collection is quite different, as anyone with a forensics job can tell you.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Physical evidence includes items obtained at a crime scene.
      By: dmitrimaruta
      Physical evidence includes items obtained at a crime scene.
    • Physical evidence must be carefully handled so it is not tainted, which could make it inadmissible during a trial.
      By: Shawn Hempel
      Physical evidence must be carefully handled so it is not tainted, which could make it inadmissible during a trial.
    • A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.
      By: Vasiliy Koval
      A crime lab analyst inspects material evidence from crime scenes.
    • Law enforcement officers are usually the first to discover physical evidence.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Law enforcement officers are usually the first to discover physical evidence.
    • Bullet casings found at a crime scene are considered physical evidence.
      By: gromit702
      Bullet casings found at a crime scene are considered physical evidence.
    • DNA is a type of physical evidence that is considered highly reliable.
      By: xtock
      DNA is a type of physical evidence that is considered highly reliable.