What is included in class evidence?

Class evidence refers to material that can be associated with a group rather than a single source. This type of evidence can help narrow down suspects or link an individual to a broader category but cannot definitively identify a specific individual.

Glass fragments are a prime example of class evidence. When glass from a crime scene is analyzed, its characteristics such as color, thickness, and density can be compared to glass samples from various sources. This allows investigators to establish that a piece of glass shares similarities with a certain type or source but does not provide conclusive proof that it came from a specific item of glass.

In contrast, fingerprints and semen can serve as individual evidence. Fingerprints are unique to each person, and DNA found in semen can specifically identify individuals due to the uniqueness of genetic material. Hair samples can sometimes be class evidence but can also provide individual evidence if the root is present and can be DNA tested. Thus, glass fragments most clearly exemplify class evidence by linking to categories rather than specific sources.