circumstantial evidence
Evidence that implies a person commited a crime, (for example, the person was seen running away from the crime scene). There must be a lot of circumstantial evidence accumulated to have real weight. Compare to direct evidence.
Definition from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary
Evidence that proves a fact by means of an inference. For example, from the evidence that a person was seen running away from the scene of a crime, a judge or jury may infer that the person committed the crime. Usually, many pieces of circumstantial evidence are needed before a judge or jury will find that they add up to proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Compare: direct evidence
Definition provided by Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary.
August 19, 2010, 5:12 pm
