What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

In Utah, direct and circumstantial evidence are both used in criminal procedure to prove a crime. Direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact without other inference. Examples of direct evidence are witness testimony, a confession, or a weapon found at the scene of the crime. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, does not directly prove a fact, but instead, is evidence of facts that can lead to conclusions. Examples of circumstantial evidence are fingerprints, DNA and other scientific testing, and surveillance footage, which may provide clues to who is responsible for a crime. The difference between direct and circumstantial evidence is that direct evidence is more reliable because it directly proves a fact, while circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that requires making inferences to reach a conclusion. While circumstantial evidence is often used to establish a chain of events that could lead to a particular conclusion, it does not conclusively prove that a crime occurred. It is important to note that direct and circumstantial evidence can both be weighed by a judge and jury in criminal cases.

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What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

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