Chapter 5: Examination of Physical Pattern Evidence

Class Characteristics

features shared by a group of objects or people, not unique to a single source, & serve to narrow down the potential origin of evidence

Direct Fit

when 2 or more pieces of solid material, such as glass or plastic, can be perfectly realigned to form part of the same original object

Inconclusive

the evidence does not conclusively demonstrate a link to a specific source or a different source

Impression

any surface marking or pattern made by one object or material coming into contact with another 

Indirect Match

2 distinct pieces of evidence that can be connected to a common origin, not by a direct physical fit, but by shared patterns, markings, or characteristics

Individual Characteristics

unique attributes of a piece of evidence that can be used to link to a single, common source with a high degree of certainty

Physical Match

the re-alignment of 2 or more broken, torn, or cut objects to prove they were once part of the same single object

Imprint

2D & is seen on a flat or hard surface

Indentation

3D & seen on a softer receiving surface

Striation

marks usually made by a tool sliding along a receiving surface