What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

In Louisiana, direct evidence is evidence that supports a fact without the need for an inference. For example, if a witness testifies that they saw the accused commit the crime, this would be direct evidence. On the other hand, circumstantial evidence requires an inference. This means that the evidence points to the fact that the accused committed the crime, but doesn’t definitively prove it. Examples of circumstantial evidence include the presence of the accused’s fingerprints at the crime scene or a video surveillance showing the accused in the area before the crime occurred. When going to court in Louisiana, it’s important to understand the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence is given more weight by courts because it is more likely to be reliable. However, circumstantial evidence can still be powerful and if there is enough of it, it may be enough to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. Ultimately, it’s up to the jury to decide which evidence is most compelling and whether the evidence presented is enough to prove the accused’s guilt.

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What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

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