Which term describes physical evidence that helps reconstruct how a crime was committed?

The term that best describes physical evidence that helps reconstruct how a crime was committed is associative evidence. Associative evidence connects a suspect or victim to a specific scene or event, which is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding a crime. This type of evidence includes items like fingerprints, DNA, and other physical objects that link individuals or their activities to the crime scene, thereby shedding light on the sequence of events that took place.

Other terms mentioned have different meanings in the context of crime scene investigation. Individual characteristics refer to traits that can link evidence to a specific source, such as unique markings on a tool used to commit a crime. Modus operandi is the term used to describe the characteristic patterns or methods of operation that a criminal typically employs when committing crimes but does not specifically refer to physical evidence. Class characteristics describe attributes that a piece of evidence shares with a group rather than a specific source, such as the type of shoe tread, which can indicate a general brand but not pinpoint an individual. Thus, associative evidence is the most accurate description of physical evidence that aids in reconstructing the crime.