direct evidence

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Direct evidence directly links a person to a crime; it demonstrates the ultimate fact to be proved (see: Oliver v. State). U.S. vs Shawntell Curry also holds that “direct evidence is the testimony of a person who claims to have personal knowledge of the commission of the crime which has been charged, such as an eyewitness”. It is also written in Georgia Code, Title 24 – Evidence Charter 1 that, “Direct evidence” means evidence which immediately points to the question at issue.”

Compare to circumstantial evidence.

[Last updated in February of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]