Which is an example of class evidence?

Question 3 options:

The scientist establishes that the DNA from an assault suspect was found on the victim.

The scientist matches the toolmark on a broken door in a burglary with a toolmark made from a crowbar in a suspect's car.

The scientist excludes a suspect from a crime investigation after analyzing fingerprints on the murder weapon and those of the suspect.

The scientist reports that kerosene from Acme organic products was the accelerant used in an arson.

1 answer

Class evidence refers to evidence that can be associated with a group rather than a single source. It typically lacks the uniqueness associated with individual evidence.

In the provided options, the example of class evidence is:

The scientist reports that kerosene from Acme organic products was the accelerant used in an arson.

This is because kerosene can be associated with many products or sources, making it class evidence rather than linking it to one specific individual or object. The other options involve more unique identifications (DNA, toolmarks, fingerprints) which are more indicative of individual evidence.