circumstantial evidence
Proof requiring inference
Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that requires inference to connect it to a conclusion.
A fingerprint at a crime scene doesn't directly prove someone committed a crime, but circumstances suggest involvement.
Contrasted with direct evidence like eyewitness testimony, circumstantial evidence builds a case through accumulation: The prosecution's case was entirely circumstantial, but the jury found it convincing.
- paper trailDocumentary evidence chain
- indirectNot straight or immediate
- crime sceneLocation of an offense
- murder weaponItem used to kill
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
corroboration · beyond reasonable doubt · reasonable doubt · hearsay · conjecture · prima facie · chain of custody · opportunity · motive · connecting the dots · hair · burden of proof · presumption · admissibility · forensic · fiber · clues · blood
- evidenceproof, admissible, findings, inadmissible, results
- proofverification, attestation, corroboration, certification, documentation
- trial evidencewitness testimony, exhibits, fingerprints, audio recordings, expert witness
- trial preptrial exhibits, witness prep, mock trial, witness list, voir dire
- trial tacticsobjection, cross-examination, opening statement, closing argument, jury selection
- courtroomjudge, jury, oath taking, lawyer, bench
circumstantial evidencedirect evidence
Proof requiring no inference
eyewitness testimony · eyewitness account · direct observation · testimonial evidence · documentary evidence
circumstantial evidenceconclusive evidence
Proof that ends debate
incontrovertible evidence · smoking gun · hard evidence · proof positive
evidence, circumstance, circumstances, circumstantial, evidential, circumstantially