What is included in the definition of physical evidence?

The definition of physical evidence encompasses a broad range of tangible items, making "any article or object of physical substance" the accurate choice. Physical evidence is crucial in legal contexts as it refers to any object that can be touched or held, which may include weapons, clothing, fingerprints, and other items that are relevant to a case. This kind of evidence can support or refute claims made during investigations and trials, serving as a critical part of the factual basis needed for legal proceedings.

In contrast, the other options are too narrow in scope. For instance, limiting the definition of physical evidence to only documents and records ignores a vast array of physical objects that could play a role in investigations. Similarly, focusing solely on tools for manipulating substances overlooks evidence that could come from various other sources. Lastly, while visual evidence like images and videos is important, it is classified differently in legal contexts and may fall under categories like documentary or digital evidence rather than being purely physical evidence. Thus, the inclusion of "any article or object of physical substance" captures the entirety of what physical evidence entails.