What is circumstantial evidence?

Circumstantial evidence refers to evidence that does not directly prove a fact but instead requires the observer to make an inference to connect it to a conclusion. This type of evidence is crucial in legal contexts as it often helps establish a narrative or context surrounding the facts of a case. For example, if someone is seen leaving the scene of a crime with a weapon, their presence lends itself to the inference that they may have been involved in the crime, even if there's no direct evidence of their guilt.

Direct observation, on the other hand, constitutes direct evidence, which is different from circumstantial evidence as it provides a clear link without needing inference. Reliability can vary with circumstantial evidence, and it isn't always deemed completely reliable; while it can strongly suggest a conclusion when combined with other evidence, it may not be definitive on its own. Irrelevancy is contrary to the nature of circumstantial evidence, as it must connect logically to the matter at hand for it to hold any legal weight. Thus, inferring conclusions based on circumstantial evidence is foundational to many legal investigations and prosecutions.