What is primary to convicting a suspect in a court of law?

Physical evidence is primary in convicting a suspect in a court of law because it provides tangible, objective proof of a crime or the suspect's involvement in that crime. This type of evidence can include fingerprints, DNA, weapons, surveillance footage, and other material that can be directly linked to the crime scene or the perpetration of the offense.

The reliability of physical evidence greatly enhances its weight in court since it can be independently verified and does not rely on subjective accounts or interpretations. When juries evaluate the credibility of a case, physical evidence often serves as the foundation for establishing facts, creating a compelling narrative about the crime.

In contrast, while information, alibis, and expert testimony can play significant roles in court, they are often contingent on interpretation and can be more easily challenged by opposing counsel. For example, information can sometimes stem from witness accounts, which may not always be reliable, alibis depend on witnesses vouching for a suspect’s whereabouts, and expert testimony requires the expert’s qualifications to be validated. Thus, physical evidence stands out as the most concrete and persuasive form of proof in criminal proceedings.