Which type of evidence is considered an instrument used in committing a crime?

The correct answer is instrumentalities, as this term specifically refers to items or tools used to directly commit a crime. For example, a weapon used in a robbery or burglary tools employed to break into a building are classified as instrumentalities of the crime. These items are often crucial in establishing the means by which a crime was executed and can be pivotal in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Understanding this concept highlights the importance of collecting and preserving such evidence during criminal investigations, as it can directly link a suspect to the act and provide insights into the methods used. In contrast, identification evidence pertains to proving a suspect’s identity, admissible evidence refers to evidence that is allowed in court, and contraband refers to illegal items or substances, which may not necessarily be instruments of a crime but rather goods that are forbidden by law.