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

In criminal trials, both direct and circumstantial evidence can be used to prove the guilt or innocence of a defendant. The primary difference between the two is that direct evidence directly proves something, while circumstantial evidence only allows reasonable conclusions to be drawn from the information. Direct evidence is more convincing than circumstantial evidence because it is typically more compelling. Direct evidence consists of a witness’s testimony, or evidence that can be seen, heard, felt or touched. This evidence can suggest the presence or absence of a fact or event in a criminal case. For example, direct evidence in a murder trial could include a witness that saw the defendant with a gun or a bloody item of clothing. Circumstantial evidence is evidence that is indirect and not based on direct observation or personal knowledge. It can be used to prove the facts of a case, but it requires that a jury draw a logical inference from the facts presented. In South Carolina, circumstantial evidence must point towards the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Examples of circumstantial evidence in a criminal trial could include security camera footage of the defendant near the scene of a crime or the defendant’s cell phone records that place them close to the area around the time of the crime. Overall, direct evidence tends to be more compelling because it is more concrete and direct. However, circumstantial evidence is still an important factor in criminal trials. With circumstantial evidence, a jury can draw logical inferences that can be used to prove the guilt of a defendant.

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

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