What are the differences between direct and circumstantial evidence in criminal trials?

In criminal trials in Florida, there are two types of evidence which may be presented to a jury: direct and circumstantial. Direct evidence is evidence that directly establishes a fact or proves a fact without the need for any additional evidence or inference. Examples of direct evidence include eyewitness testimony, confessions, or recordings. On the other hand, circumstantial evidence is evidence that implies or suggests a fact but does not directly prove it. An example of circumstantial evidence would be evidence that shows that a defendant was in the area where a crime happened, but does not directly prove that the defendant committed the crime. Circumstantial evidence must be evaluated by the jury and weighed against other evidence to draw a conclusion. Juries are instructed to rely on direct evidence when making their decisions; circumstantial evidence is often viewed as less reliable. Additionally, circumstantial evidence must still be considered even if there is no direct evidence in a case. Therefore, it is important to consider both direct and circumstantial evidence when evaluating a case in a criminal trial.

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What are the differences between direct and circumstantial evidence in criminal trials?

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