What are items used by the defendant to commit a crime called?

Items used by the defendant to commit a crime are referred to as instrumentalities. This term specifically denotes tools or objects that play a direct role in the commission of a crime, such as weapons, tools, or vehicles used to carry out illegal activities. By classifying these items as instrumentalities, the legal system can more effectively track and link physical evidence to the actions of the accused.

Fruits of a crime, on the other hand, generally refer to the results or gains obtained as a consequence of committing the crime, such as stolen property. Evidence encompasses a broader category that includes anything used to prove or disprove facts in a legal proceeding, which may include but is not limited to instrumentalities. Contraband typically refers to items that are illegal to possess or trade, such as illegal drugs or weapons, but does not specifically denote tools used to commit crimes.