What is the difference between a direct and circumstantial evidence in criminal defense law?

In criminal defense law, the distinction between direct and circumstantial evidence is important. Direct evidence involves facts based on a direct observation or experience, such as eyewitness testimony. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, infers the truth from other facts that are not direct observations. For example, if someone is accused of stealing a car, direct evidence may be an eyewitness who saw the person take the car, or a security camera recording of the act. Circumstantial evidence in this case could be evidence that the accused was seen in the vicinity of the car when it was taken, or was seen driving the car afterward. In criminal cases, direct evidence carries more weight than circumstantial evidence, as it can more clearly establish the accused’s intent or involvement in the crime. In states like Mississippi, juries are typically instructed to weigh the evidence and use common sense to come to a conclusion on the defendant’s guilt or innocence. When both direct and circumstantial evidence is present, juries must decide the credibility of the evidence and determine the truth.

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