How do physical evidence and testimonial evidence differ?

• A. Physical evidence is statements from witnesses or the accused; testimonial evidence is tangible objects.
• B. Physical evidence is intangible.
• C. Physical evidence is tangible objects; testimonial evidence is statements from witnesses or the accused.
• D. There is no difference.

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is understanding what each type of evidence represents. Physical evidence consists of tangible objects that can be touched, seen, or measured—things like a weapon, fingerprints, clothing, or DNA samples. Testimonial evidence, on the other hand, is the statements people make about what they observed or know, such as a witness describing the events or an accused giving an account.

This distinction matters because physical evidence provides material facts independent of anyone’s memory or perception, while testimonial evidence relies on human testimony, which can be influenced by perception, recall, or credibility and is often examined in cross-examination. In practice, investigators use both: physical evidence to establish concrete facts and testimonial evidence to provide context, motives, or sequence of events, with each requiring different handling and evaluation.