Circumstantial Evidence

Circumstantial evidence is evidence that can only prove a fact by inference. Circumstantial evidence may be referred to as “indirect evidence.” Circumstantial evidence does not directly prove the fact to be decided, but is evidence of another fact or group of facts from which the fact finder may conclude the truth of the fact in question. For example, if a witness testifies that he saw someone come inside wearing a raincoat covered with drops of water, that testimony is circumstantial evidence, because it may support a conclusion that it was raining outside. Circumstantial evidence is not second-class evidence; it is as valid, admissible, and acceptable as direct evidence.