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Class and Individual Characteristics

All evidence bears class characteristics. Individual characteristics may or may not be present.

Evidence that possesses class characteristics may be referred to as class evidence. Similarly, evidence that possesses individual characteristics may be referred to as individual evidence.

Both class and individual evidence have value; however, it typically takes considerably more class evidence (and time for collection and analysis) to have the same weight and significance as a single item of individual evidence.

Criminal cases based solely on class evidence are more difficult to prove and require more work, but the results can be just as significant. To put it in perspective, in terms of probative value in the courtroom, it usually takes a considerable combination of class evidence to equate to a single item of individual evidence.

Class and Individual Characteristics
Characteristic	Definition	Examples
Class Characteristics	Measurable features of an item that indicate a restricted group source based on design factors determined prior to manufacture May be shown to be like or consistent with a questioned source, although not uniquely identifiable with that source	Width of the tip of a screwdriver Width of land and groove impressions Example of lands and grooves National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy). Bloodstain
Subclass Characteristics	Discernible surface features of an object, more restrictive than class characteristics Produced incidental to manufacture Refer to a smaller group source (a subset of the class to which they belong) May arise from a source that changes over time	Marks on an object produced by a grinding wheel or sanding belt. Manufacturing marks on a group of Ruger firearms Manufacturing marks on a group of Ruger firearms Greg Scala, FDLE, Orlando, FL (see reuse policy). Blood type
Individual Characteristics	Marks on an object produced by the random imperfections or irregularities on the surfaces of the tools used to manufacture the object Produced incidental to the manufacturing process and typically seen at microscopic level Can be produced on an object by use, abuse, and/or corrosion May be uniquely identifiable with a source	Striated and/or impressed marks produced by the action of the tip of a screwdriver on an object Striation marks on a fired bullet Striation marks on a fired bullet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy). DNA profile from a bloodstain

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Date Created: July 11, 2023