The Modus Operandi refers to which aspect of a crime?

• A. The sequence of events
• B. Motive of the crime
• C. Suspect's identity
• D. Alibi verification

Answer: (B)

Modus operandi describes how a crime is carried out—the method, sequence of actions, techniques, tools, and patterns an offender uses. It answers the question of “how” the crime was done, not why. By studying someone’s MO, investigators can spot familiar methods across different incidents, link cases that may involve the same offender, and infer experience or tendencies in planning and execution. Motive—the reason behind the crime—is a separate consideration and helps explain the purpose, not the method. The identity of a suspect or whether they have an alibi concerns who was involved or where they were, not the way the crime was executed. So the best fit is the sequence of events and the techniques used to commit the crime.