What principle describes how crimes impact the collection of evidence?

Locard's Principle is a foundational concept in forensic science that states that "every contact leaves a trace." This principle articulates that whenever two objects come into contact with each other, there will always be an exchange of materials between them. In the context of crime scene investigations, this implies that a suspect will leave behind evidence at the crime scene and may also take evidence away from it.

For example, if a suspect touches a surface, they may leave behind fingerprints, hair, or fibers that can be collected as evidence. Conversely, if the suspect picks up or interacts with items at the scene, they may also carry away material that can be traced back to the crime scene or the victim. This principle underlines the importance of meticulous evidence collection and preservation, as it helps investigators make connections between suspects, victims, and crime scenes.

In contrast, other options like Newton's Law relate more to physics and motion rather than forensic investigation, and concepts like Hannibal's Principle and Retention Principle do not have established relevance in the context of the exchange of evidence during criminal activity. Thus, Locard's Principle is particularly crucial for understanding how evidence is generated and impacted by the interactions involved in criminal acts.