What is circumstantial evidence?

Circumstantial evidence refers to information or facts that do not directly prove a fact but instead allow for an inference or conclusion to be drawn. It consists of secondary facts that rely on the surrounding circumstances to suggest a possibility of a particular event or scenario. For instance, if a person is seen running away from a crime scene shortly after a crime is reported, this behavior could be interpreted as suspicious, leading to the conclusion that the person may have been involved in the crime, even though there’s no direct evidence linking them to the act.

This type of evidence is crucial in legal contexts, as it can build a compelling case when combined with other evidence. In contrast, direct evidence involves eyewitness accounts or testimonies that directly support or contradict a fact. This distinction highlights the importance of circumstantial evidence in forming a complete narrative during legal proceedings, even if it stands in contrast to other types of evidence such as physical items or documents that may provide more tangible proof of events.