Answer to Question 1
Answer: Circumstantial evidence merely tends to incriminate a person without offering conclusive proof. Testimonial evidence consists of a verbal statement offered by a witness while under oath or affirmation. It may also be evidence offered by way of a sworn pretrial deposition. Although many people define testimony in the same way as evidence, they are clearly distinct. Testimony is evidence offered in an oral manner and is used most commonly to explain some form of physical evidence. Trace evidence consists of extremely small items of evidence, such as hair or clothing fibers. With the aid of modern forensic analysis, trace evidence plays a greater role today than ever before in solving capital cases. Demonstrative evidence is evidence used to demonstrate or clarify an issue rather than to prove something. Physical evidence could be considered as a classification of its own. Physical evidence is self-explanatory in nature and generally speaks for itself in a court of law. Direct or prima facie evidence is evidence established by law that at face value proves a fact in dispute. Examples will vary.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: The first responding officer's role does not begin at the arrival at the scene, but en route to the scene. Several clues, pieces of evidence, or possibly the sighting or arrest of the suspect can be obtained en route.