What is a primary distinguishing feature of class evidence?

Class evidence is defined by its ability to connect an item to a group, rather than to a specific individual. This type of evidence involves characteristics shared by a particular category or group of objects. For example, if a shoeprint is found at a crime scene, the details of the tread pattern can indicate the brand and model of the shoe, thus narrowing down possible suspects to those who own that type of shoe. However, it cannot definitively link a specific individual to the crime, as many people may own the same brand and model. This feature makes class evidence useful in investigations for establishing connections or exclusions within a wider population, but it does not provide conclusive identification.

This differentiates class evidence from individual evidence, which can be uniquely attributed to a single source, such as DNA from a suspect. In addition, class evidence does not require quantitative analysis, nor is it considered irrelevant; it plays a vital role in building the context of a case, even if it does not pinpoint an exact perpetrator.