What type of evidence would scratches on a victim’s body likely be classified as?

Scratches on a victim's body are classified as physical evidence because they are directly associated with a specific event or interaction, in this case, an altercation or assault. Physical evidence, in general, pertains to tangible items that can be observed and evaluated in a forensic investigation. This type of evidence can help establish the circumstances surrounding the crime, such as the nature of the confrontation, the offender's actions, and the victim's injuries.

Physical evidence, including scratches, can be crucial in supporting or contradicting witness statements and can also be used to identify potential suspects or corroborate expert analyses regarding the dynamics of the incident. In contrast, the other classifications of evidence—such as biological and trace—are not appropriate in this context. Biological evidence would pertain to living organisms or their products (like blood or hair), while trace evidence generally refers to small amounts of material transferred during a crime. Class evidence is a broader category that may include types of evidence that share a common source but do not provide unique identification. Since scratches provide direct insight into the physical interactions that occurred, they are best categorized as physical evidence.