Definitions for circumstantial evidence
cir·cum·stan·tial ev·i·dence

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. circumstantial evidence, indirect evidencenoun

   evidence providing only a basis for inference about the fact in dispute

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Circumstantial evidence

   Circumstantial evidence is evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact—such as a fingerprint at the scene of a crime. By contrast, direct evidence supports the truth of an assertion directly—i.e., without need for any additional evidence or inference. On its own, circumstantial evidence allows for more than one explanation. Different pieces of circumstantial evidence may be required, so that each corroborates the conclusions drawn from the others. Together, they may more strongly support one particular inference over another. An explanation involving circumstantial evidence becomes more likely once alternative explanations have been ruled out. Circumstantial evidence allows a trier of fact to infer that a fact exists. In criminal law, the inference is made by the trier of fact in order to support the truth of an assertion (of guilt or absence of guilt). Reasonable doubt is tied into circumstantial evidence as circumstantial evidence is evidence that relies on an inference, and reasonable doubt was put in place so that the circumstantial evidence against someone in a criminal or civil case may not be enough to convict someone fairly. Reasonable doubt is described as the highest standard of proof used in court and means that a juror can find the defendant guilty of the crime to a moral certainty. Therefore, the circumstantial evidence against someone may not be enough to convict, but it can contribute to other decisions made concerning the case.Testimony can be direct evidence or it can be circumstantial. For example, a witness saying that she saw a defendant stab a victim is providing direct evidence. By contrast, a witness who says that she saw the defendant enter a house, that she heard screaming, and that she saw the defendant leave with a bloody knife gives circumstantial evidence. It is the necessity for inference, and not the obviousness of a conclusion, that determines whether evidence is circumstantial. Forensic evidence supplied by an expert witness is usually treated as circumstantial evidence. For example, a forensic scientist may provide results of ballistic tests proving that the defendant’s firearm fired the bullets that killed the victim, but not necessarily that the defendant fired the shots. Circumstantial evidence is especially important in civil and criminal cases where direct evidence is lacking.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. circumstantial evidence

   Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that implies something occurred, but does not directly prove it. It requires an inference or deduction to connect it to a conclusion of fact. Unlike direct evidence — which directly proves or disproves a specific fact or event, like an eyewitness testimony — circumstantial evidence is used to establish the truth through reasoning or deduction based on the circumstances or facts surrounding the situation.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Circumstantial evidence

   Circumstantial evidence is evidence in which an inference is required to connect it to a conclusion of fact, like a fingerprint at the scene of a crime. By contrast, direct evidence supports the truth of an assertion directly—i.e., without need for any additional evidence or the intervening inference. On its own, it is the nature of circumstantial evidence for more than one explanation to still be possible. Inference from one piece of circumstantial evidence may not guarantee accuracy. Circumstantial evidence usually accumulates into a collection, so that the pieces then become corroborating evidence. Together, they may more strongly support one particular inference over another. An explanation involving circumstantial evidence becomes more valid as proof of a fact when the alternative explanations have been ruled out. Circumstantial evidence allows a trier of fact to deduce a fact exists. In criminal law, the inference is made by the trier of facts in order to support the truth of assertion. Testimony can be direct evidence or it can be circumstantial. If the witness claims they saw the crime take place, this is considered direct evidence. For instance, a witness saying that the defendant stabbed the victim is direct evidence. By contrast, a witness who says that she saw the defendant enter a house, that she heard screaming, and that she saw the defendant leave with a bloody knife gives circumstantial evidence. It is the necessity for inference, and not the obviousness of a conclusion, that determines whether or not evidence is circumstantial.

Suggested ResourcesRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. circumstantial evidence

   Read the full text of the Circumstantial Evidence poem by Ellis Parker Butler on the Poetry.com website.

How to pronounce circumstantial evidence?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say circumstantial evidence in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of circumstantial evidence in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of circumstantial evidence in Pythagorean Numerology is: 5

Examples of circumstantial evidence in a Sentence

1. Jon Gould:

   It's really difficult to know. If you ever were to ask one of the Supreme Court justices whether this has any influence in any way, the answer is going to be no, at the same time, we think we have circumstantial evidence that several justices take into account the political climate, the political consequences of their decisions.

2. Misty Marris:

   This all under the guise of those very, very damaging social media searches that really was that blueprint of his actions, according to prosecutors, this really put the puzzle together to show the story, which is what was needed in a circumstantial evidence case to establish probable cause.

3. Ziv Cohen:

   That, again, is circumstantial evidence, but it could point to something that's more suggestive of intimate partner violence.

4. Eric Chaffee:

   You're always dealing with circumstantial evidence. We don't have the ability to probe people's minds.

5. Henry David Thoreau:

   Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk.

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=circumstantial evidence
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumstantial_Evidence
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=circumstantial evidence