American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

Which evidence is considered physical evidence?

1. Victim's clothing

2. Witness testimonies

3. Photographs of the scene

4. Digital footprints

The correct answer is: Victim's clothing

Physical evidence refers to any tangible items that can establish that a crime has occurred or can link a suspect to the scene or victim. In this context, the victim's clothing serves as a critical piece of physical evidence. It can provide valuable information such as bloodstains, fibers, or other forensic trace evidence that might connect the victim to the crime scene or the perpetrator. Clothing can also reveal signs of struggle or other interactions that provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident. While testimonies, photographs, and digital footprints are essential components of an investigation, they fall under different categories. Witness testimonies are considered testimonial evidence and are subject to human memory and perception, which can be variable and less reliable than physical items. Photographs serve as documentary evidence that captures visual aspects of the scene but do not directly support physical analysis. Digital footprints, although significant in a modern investigation, primarily consist of electronic information and behavior patterns rather than tangible items. Thus, the victim's clothing is distinctly categorized as physical evidence due to its material presence and forensic significance in an investigation.