Which category of evidence is indirect and inferred from other facts?

• A. Demonstrative
• B. Statistical
• C. Circumstantial
• D. Anecdotal

Answer: (C)

Circumstantial evidence is evidence that points to a fact through inference rather than proving it directly. It doesn’t establish the fact by itself; instead, a fact is inferred from a set of related facts. For example, finding a suspect’s fingerprint at a scene suggests presence, but it requires reasoning to conclude involvement. This contrasts with direct evidence, like a witness who actually saw the crime, which proves the fact without needing to infer. Demonstrative evidence is used to illustrate or explain, not to prove a fact by itself. Statistical evidence involves numerical data to support a claim, and anecdotal evidence relies on personal stories and isn’t a reliable basis for establishing a fact through inference.