What could be an example of physical evidence in a criminal case?

The choice of surveillance footage as an example of physical evidence in a criminal case is appropriate because it represents tangible and observable data that can be analyzed and presented in a court of law. Physical evidence is typically defined as material items that can be located at a crime scene or associated with an event, and they usually provide solid proof that supports or refutes elements of a case.

Surveillance footage can visually capture events as they occur, offering a specific record of actions, behaviors, and interactions that can be crucial in establishing timelines and identifying individuals involved in a crime. This evidence can be instrumental in corroborating other aspects of a case or providing clarity in circumstances that are disputed.

In contrast, witness testimonies, victim statements, and police reports are all forms of testimonial and documentary evidence that can provide context and perspective surrounding a case but do not constitute physical evidence in the same way that surveillance footage does, as they rely on the recollections and interpretations of individuals rather than concrete, observable material.