Class evidence is the category for most evidence. Class evidence is evidence associated with a group and not a single source.
Example:
general piece of something (like a paint chip)
blood (we can only generalize)
Individual evidence is evidence that can be virtually, unambiguously traced to a source.
Example:
finger prints
DNA
tool marks (under a microscope)
anything torn or broken (must be very specific)
Class evidence is common to a group of objects or persons, while individual evidence can be linked to a unique source. Class evidence can help narrow down a pool of suspects, while individual evidence can provide a stronger link to a specific person or object. Class evidence is less specific and can be shared among multiple sources, while individual evidence is more specific and can help to identify a singular source.
Something can be both types of evidence if it possesses characteristics that can be attributed to a group or class of items, as well as unique characteristics that differentiate it from others within that group. For example, a blue cotton fiber found at a crime scene might be considered class evidence because blue cotton fibers are common, but if there are unique qualities, such as a specific dye pattern, it could also be considered individual evidence.
Class evidence is evidence that can be linked to a group of people rather than individual evidence which can only be linked to one person. Although class evidence can help solve cases, its not guaranteed to solve it. An example of class evidence is if a shoe print is left behind and the only thing they can make of it is the shoe size or make, that would be a class characteristic since many other people may have that same shoe size and make. The shoe print may also be individual evidence due to the fact that not everyone walks the same. If the shoe has wear on a specific part then we can infer that the suspect walks with more weight on that part of there feet.
The difference is that I only work on math
Fibers are CLASS evidence. They cannot be individualized to a single person or thing, although there are many types of natural and synthetic fibers.
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Probative value refers to the ability of a piece of evidence to make a fact more or less probable in a legal context. Individual evidence, which is unique to a specific source (like a fingerprint), generally has more probative value than class evidence, which can only indicate a group (like a type of shoe print). This is because individual evidence can directly link a suspect to a crime, while class evidence lacks that specificity.
The likelihood of finding class physical evidence is generally higher than that of finding physical evidence with individual characteristics. Class evidence can be derived from common materials or patterns shared among many items, such as tire tread patterns or fabric fibers. In contrast, individual characteristics are unique to a specific item, like a fingerprint or a specific wear pattern, making them less common and more challenging to locate. Consequently, while class evidence can help narrow down a suspect pool, individual evidence is often more definitive in linking a suspect to a crime.
Blood is considered class evidence because it can indicate certain characteristics shared by a group of individuals rather than identify a specific person. For example, blood type (such as A, B, AB, or O) can help narrow down suspects to a broader category based on genetic inheritance patterns. While blood can provide valuable information about a person's biological traits, it lacks the specificity needed for individual identification, such as DNA profiling, which is considered individual evidence.
An example of a class characteristic is the tread pattern of a tire. Tread patterns are designed by manufacturers and can be used to identify the type of tire and its brand, even if the specific tire has been altered or worn down. Class characteristics help forensic experts link evidence to a specific category or group rather than to a single individual item.
Class evidence is evidence that can be linked to a group of people rather than individual evidence which can only be linked to one person. Although class evidence can help solve cases, its not guaranteed to solve it. An example of class evidence is if a shoe print is left behind and the only thing they can make of it is the shoe size or make, that would be a class characteristic since many other people may have that same shoe size and make. The shoe print may also be individual evidence due to the fact that not everyone walks the same. If the shoe has wear on a specific part then we can infer that the suspect walks with more weight on that part of there feet.
it is evidence that could be associated, an example is is comparison of hand writing