Circumstantial evidence refers to a set of facts that, when taken together, enable law enforcement agents to reasonably infer conclusions from that evidence. Circumstantial evidence is also used interchangeably with the term corroborating evidence. This is evidence that gives support to a certain conclusion.
Circumstantial evidence is usually theoretical. That is, though the nature of the evidence itself does not directly prove that a person committed a certain crime, it is evidence that supports the theory that the person committed the crime.
For example, if a witness testifies that the defendant was seen entering a house, then screaming was heard, then the defendant was seen leaving, carrying a bloody knife, that is circumstantial evidence. However, if the witness testifies that the defendant was seen actually stabbing the victim, then that is direct evidence.
Please enter your information below to have your case evaluated by our police misconduct attorneys at no charge. Please note that submitting this form does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
©2007 Bell Legal Group | 232 King Street | Georgetown, South Carolina 29440 | All Rights Reserved
