What is class evidence in forensic science?

Class evidence refers to physical evidence that does not have a unique source, but can be generalized to a group of similar items. This type of evidence typically cannot be used to definitively link a suspect to a crime, but can help to narrow down a pool of potential suspects.

Examples of class evidence include fibers, glass fragments, soil, and paint chips. These types of materials can be compared to known samples to determine if they are consistent with a particular source, such as a specific brand of fabric or type of paint.

Class evidence is often used in conjunction with individual evidence, which is evidence that can be directly linked to a single source, such as DNA or fingerprints. By analyzing both class and individual evidence, forensic scientists can build a more complete picture of a crime scene and potentially identify a suspect.