Direct and Circumstantial Evidence

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - 5th Circuit - Civil - Final Instructions
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-3RDCIR-3-03-CR
• Format: Word

Description What Is The Difference Between Direct And Circumstantial Evidence

Direct and Circumstantial Evidence Source: http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/model-criminal-jury-table-contents-and-instructions

Direct evidence is evidence which establishes a fact without the need to infer it from other evidence or facts. It consists of an eyewitness account, a confession, or a physical object which directly proves a fact. Circumstantial evidence is evidence which requires an inference to be drawn in order to establish a fact. It consists of circumstantial facts or data which, when taken together, allow an inference to be drawn to provide a logical explanation for a fact. Different types of direct evidence include: a confession, an eyewitness account, a video or audio recording, a photograph, a document, and a physical object. Different types of circumstantial evidence include: documentary evidence, scientific evidence, circumstantial evidence, and demonstrative evidence. Documentary evidence includes records, documents, and other written materials. Scientific evidence includes data obtained through scientific experiments or studies. Circumstantial evidence includes any evidence that requires an inference to be drawn. Demonstrative evidence includes physical objects, models, or diagrams that are used to explain or demonstrate a fact.