What statement best defines circumstantial evidence?

• A. Evidence that proves a fact directly without inference
• B. Evidence that proves only through testimony
• C. Evidence that indirectly establishes a fact through inference
• D. Demonstrative evidence

Answer: (C)

Circumstantial evidence is evidence that indirectly establishes a fact through inference rather than proving it directly. For example, finding a suspect’s fingerprint at a crime scene suggests involvement, but it doesn’t by itself prove the person committed the crime; you infer guilt from the surrounding facts. This contrasts with direct evidence, such as an eyewitness seeing the act or a video recording of the crime, which proves the fact without needing to infer. Demonstrative evidence, like maps or charts, helps explain or illustrate aspects of the case but doesn’t itself prove the fact in question.