What does physical evidence not rely on during a trial?

Physical evidence is typically regarded as concrete and objective, meaning it doesn't rely on memory reliability during a trial. Unlike witness testimony, which can be influenced by factors such as personal perception or recollection issues, physical evidence is tangible and can be examined, tested, and verified. This inherent nature allows it to stand independently of human memory, significantly strengthening the overall case.

While chain of custody is crucial for ensuring that the evidence has been properly handled and is authentic, and expert analysis may be involved to interpret or explain the significance of the evidence, neither of these aspects diminishes the primary characteristic of physical evidence as being factual and reliable based on its physical attributes. Anecdotal evidence, which relies on personal accounts or stories, is also distinct from the objective nature of physical evidence. This distinction emphasizes that physical evidence provides a basis for claims that is not influenced by the variability and potential inaccuracies of human memory.