ABSTRACT
Physical comparative evidence relates to two or more objects that by virtue of their physical characteristics are able to be compared. The extent of this physical comparison may establish that the two objects had been in contact with each other at some time, or that some other relationship exists between the two. Within this broad evidence group are those evidence types which are commonly referred to as ‘marks’ and physical or mechanical fits. The term ‘marks’ is generally understood to involve marks left at crime scenes by shoes and tools, whilst the term ‘physical or mechanical fits’ is generally used to describe fracture or ‘jigsaw’ fits or fracture matching. To obtain a complete understanding of marks and physical fits, it is necessary to look at their position and relationship within the concept of physical comparative evidence.
