Which statement best defines physical evidence?

Which statement best defines physical evidence?

• A. Material objects such as weapons, drugs, or money.
• B. Verbal statements from witnesses.
• C. Printed or written evidence, such as a call log, written property receipt, letter, or recording.
• D. A chain of custody document.

Answer: (C)

Physical evidence is any tangible item that can be produced to prove facts. While real objects like weapons or drugs are classic examples, documents and recordings also count because they exist in a physical form that can be examined, authenticated, and used in court. Printed or written evidence such as a call log, property receipt, letter, or recording fits this definition because it is a concrete artifact carrying information about events or actions. A chain of custody document matters for showing integrity of the evidence, but it isn’t the evidence itself. Verbal statements are testimonial and conveyed through testimony, not as a physical object.

Physical evidence is any tangible item that can be produced to prove facts. While real objects like weapons or drugs are classic examples, documents and recordings also count because they exist in a physical form that can be examined, authenticated, and used in court. Printed or written evidence such as a call log, property receipt, letter, or recording fits this definition because it is a concrete artifact carrying information about events or actions. A chain of custody document matters for showing integrity of the evidence, but it isn’t the evidence itself. Verbal statements are testimonial and conveyed through testimony, not as a physical object.