Circumstantial evidence refers to information that suggests a fact or event is true but does not directly prove it. This type of evidence relies on inference, meaning it allows a conclusion to be drawn based on the surrounding circumstances. For example, if a person is seen leaving a crime scene with a weapon, this could be circumstantial evidence linking them to the crime, even if they are not directly observed committing it.
In legal contexts, circumstantial evidence can be powerful when combined with other evidence. It is often used in court cases to build a narrative or support a theory of what happened. However, it is important to note that circumstantial evidence alone may not be sufficient for a conviction, as it requires careful interpretation and consideration of all available facts.