What does circumstantial evidence rely on?

What does circumstantial evidence rely on?

• A. Personal knowledge of the observer
• B. Direct observation
• C. Inferences or assumptions
• D. Admissions by the accused

Answer: (C)

Circumstantial evidence relies on inferences or assumptions drawn from the facts presented rather than direct evidence. This type of evidence does not directly prove a fact but suggests a conclusion based on the surrounding circumstances. For instance, if a person is seen running away from a crime scene with a bloody shirt, while there are no witnesses observing them committing the crime, it can lead to the inference that they may have been involved. This reliance on inferences means that circumstantial evidence can build a compelling narrative when multiple pieces fit together, even if no one directly witnessed the event in question. Therefore, the strength of circumstantial evidence comes from the chain of reasoning that connects the evidence to the conclusion being made, rather than from direct, observable actions or admissions by the accused.

Circumstantial evidence relies on inferences or assumptions drawn from the facts presented rather than direct evidence. This type of evidence does not directly prove a fact but suggests a conclusion based on the surrounding circumstances. For instance, if a person is seen running away from a crime scene with a bloody shirt, while there are no witnesses observing them committing the crime, it can lead to the inference that they may have been involved.

This reliance on inferences means that circumstantial evidence can build a compelling narrative when multiple pieces fit together, even if no one directly witnessed the event in question. Therefore, the strength of circumstantial evidence comes from the chain of reasoning that connects the evidence to the conclusion being made, rather than from direct, observable actions or admissions by the accused.