When should an item of evidence NOT be marked?

An item of evidence should not be marked if doing so may diminish its forensic value. This is particularly important in cases where the markings could disrupt or alter key physical characteristics that are critical for forensic analysis, such as fingerprints, biological samples, or trace evidence. Preserving the integrity of the evidence is paramount for ensuring that it can be effectively analyzed and used in investigations and court proceedings. Forensic value can be impacted by markings that could obscure or contaminate the item, leading to potential challenges in the evidentiary process.

In contrast, the other options do not align with established protocols for evidence handling. For example, the size of an item does not determine whether it should be marked; procedures can accommodate large evidence. Similarly, items made of paper or those under a specific size threshold can typically be marked appropriately, as long as it does not compromise the item's evidentiary integrity.