What are the two main categories of evidence?

The main categories of evidence can be classified in many ways, but one widely accepted classification includes corpus delicti and associative evidence. Corpus delicti refers to the concrete evidence that a crime has occurred, establishing that a crime has taken place. It often includes elements like the body in a homicide or objective evidence of a burglary. Associative evidence, on the other hand, connects a suspect to a crime or the scene of the crime, such as fingerprints or DNA left at the scene.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for detectives and investigators since corpus delicti provides the foundational proof that a crime exists, while associative evidence links individuals to that crime, thereby building a stronger case. In contrast, the other options, such as direct and testimonial evidence, refer more to the nature of how evidence is presented or obtained, rather than their primary categories. Similarly, physical and circumstantial evidence deals with the type of evidence but does not capture the two foundational categories as effectively as corpus delicti and associative evidence does. Hence, recognizing these classifications is vital for effective investigation and legal processes.