What defines impression evidence in forensic analysis?

Impression evidence in forensic analysis is defined as materials that retain characteristics of other objects, which includes impressions made by shoes, tires, or tools on soft surfaces like soil or carpet. When these items make contact with a surface, they leave behind unique markings that can be analyzed for comparison to known samples. This form of evidence is critical in forensics because it can link a suspect to a crime scene or corroborate witness accounts.

These impressions can capture details such as the tread pattern of a shoe, a tire tread, or tool marks that can uniquely identify the object that made the impression. The distinctive characteristics are often used to establish connections between the object and the crime scene. Other options, like weight, digital prints, or visual observation, do not encapsulate the defining feature of impression evidence, which is its ability to preserve and convey the unique characteristics left by physical objects.