Tangible items, such as weapons, clothing, documents, and biological samples, collected at crime scenes or during investigations, serve as verifiable records of events. For example, a fingerprint lifted from a doorknob or a recovered stolen vehicle can be crucial in establishing connections between suspects and criminal activities.
Such physical objects provide objective data for legal proceedings, facilitating accurate reconstructions of events and supporting the pursuit of justice. Historically, the use of physical objects in legal contexts evolved alongside advancements in forensic science, transforming investigative practices and strengthening the reliability of legal outcomes. The development of fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and trace evidence examination revolutionized the ability to identify perpetrators and link them to specific crimes. This increased reliance on scientifically verifiable physical proof marked a significant shift towards more objective and robust legal processes.