Circumstantial evidence proves a fact through the inference of another fact
Any evidence at trial that is not directly proved but requires the inference of another fact to prove its existence is considered circumstantial evidence. Contrary to common belief, circumstantial evidence can be just as relevant and admissible as direct evidence.
Example Of Circumstantial Evidence
Witness: “I did not actually see the mouse eat the cheese, but I saw the cheese, and then I saw the mouse, and when I looked back an hour later, the cheese was gone.” The jury may infer the mouse ate the cheese. This is known as circumstantial evidence.
