What is the difference between class evidence and individual evidence?

Class evidence and individual evidence serve distinct roles in forensic science, and the correct answer highlights the fundamental difference between the two.

Class evidence refers to items that can be placed into a group or category. This means that the characteristics of class evidence are shared among multiple sources. For example, fibers from clothing or shoe prints may be similar enough to suggest they come from the same type of material or shoe model, but they do not point to a particular individual or item. In contrast, individual evidence is unique and can be traced back to a specific source. This includes fingerprint patterns or DNA profiles, which are unique to individuals and can conclusively link evidence to a specific person.

Understanding this distinction is crucial in forensic investigations, as it helps investigators determine the strength of the available evidence. While class evidence can help narrow down possibilities and suggest connections, individual evidence provides a more definitive link to a suspect or source. Thus, recognizing that class evidence belongs to a group and that individual evidence can be traced to a specific source provides clarity in analyzing forensic findings.