What is defined as small quantities of material transferred from one entity to another at a crime scene?

What is defined as small quantities of material transferred from one entity to another at a crime scene?

• A. Trace evidence
• B. Physical evidence
• C. Biological evidence
• D. Comparative evidence

Answer: (A)

The correct choice is trace evidence, which refers to the small quantities of material that can be transferred during the commission of a crime. This type of evidence includes hair, fibers, soil, glass, paint, and other minute materials that can link a suspect, victim, or scene to a particular incident. Trace evidence is often crucial because it can provide significant leads in an investigation, even when the quantity is small. In comparison, physical evidence typically refers to larger items or objects that can be collected at a crime scene—this might include weapons, vehicles, or other substantial physical artifacts involved in a crime. Biological evidence pertains specifically to organic materials such as blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids, which provide insights into a person's biological presence but do not fall under the category of small material transfers. Comparative evidence, on the other hand, often refers to results obtained by comparing two items, such as matching a fingerprint or DNA profile, rather than the small amounts of material transferred at a scene. Therefore, trace evidence is the distinct term that accurately captures the concept of small quantities of material transferred from one entity to another at a crime scene.

The correct choice is trace evidence, which refers to the small quantities of material that can be transferred during the commission of a crime. This type of evidence includes hair, fibers, soil, glass, paint, and other minute materials that can link a suspect, victim, or scene to a particular incident. Trace evidence is often crucial because it can provide significant leads in an investigation, even when the quantity is small.

In comparison, physical evidence typically refers to larger items or objects that can be collected at a crime scene—this might include weapons, vehicles, or other substantial physical artifacts involved in a crime. Biological evidence pertains specifically to organic materials such as blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids, which provide insights into a person's biological presence but do not fall under the category of small material transfers. Comparative evidence, on the other hand, often refers to results obtained by comparing two items, such as matching a fingerprint or DNA profile, rather than the small amounts of material transferred at a scene. Therefore, trace evidence is the distinct term that accurately captures the concept of small quantities of material transferred from one entity to another at a crime scene.