What constitutes testimonial evidence?

Testimonial evidence is defined as statements provided by individuals regarding their observations or experiences related to a crime or incident. This includes the accounts given by victims, witnesses, and suspects, who may offer insights or details that can be critical in the investigation and prosecution of a case. Their firsthand knowledge of the events can help establish facts, timelines, and the context of the incident under examination.

In contrast, the other types of evidence mentioned do not fall under the category of testimonial evidence. Physical evidence collected at the scene encompasses tangible artifacts that can be objectively measured or analyzed, such as weapons or fingerprints, rather than statements or accounts. Medical reports provide factual summaries of injuries or medical conditions but do not convey direct testimony from individuals involved. Photographic evidence serves as a visual record of the scene but lacks the direct narrative that testimonial evidence provides. Each type of evidence plays a vital role in the legal system; however, testimonial evidence specifically pertains to verbal or written statements made by people.