Question

Which of the following types of physical evidence might disqualify a suspect as the culprit? A.suspect object B.crime object C.trace evidence D.witness statement

Answer 1

Trace evidence can disqualify a suspect if it does not match the suspect's characteristics, whereas crime objects and suspect objects can potentially link a suspect to a crime. Witness statements are subject to memory issues and may not always be reliable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options presented, trace evidence might disqualify a suspect as the culprit. Trace evidence includes physical material like fibers, hair, or fingerprints that can be linked to a specific individual or scene. If trace evidence found at the crime scene does not match the suspect, it can exclude them from the list of potential perpetrators. Conversely, a crime object, which is an item involved in the crime itself, could potentially link a suspect to the crime if their fingerprints or DNA are found on it. Suspect objects, or items belonging to the suspect that might have been used in the crime, could similarly point toward guilt if discovered in the context of the crime. Finally, a witness statement is verbal testimony of what someone saw or heard but is subject to reliability issues due to the fragility and suggestibility of human memory, as seen in high-pressure situations such as the 2002 sniper attacks in the DC area.

Answer 2

Answer: D. witness statement

A witness statement is a non-physical evidence or a verbal testimony that could not establish reliable evidence compare to physical evidence that could prove a crime that has been committed or link a victim to a crime because they are object that could establish strong evidence like fingerprints and hair.