New York Private Investigator Regulations Practice Exam

What is circumstantial evidence?

1. Evidence that directly proves a fact

2. Evidence including facts, conditions, and events from which an inference may be drawn

3. A witness's oral testimony

4. Physical evidence collected at the crime scene

The correct answer is: Evidence including facts, conditions, and events from which an inference may be drawn

Circumstantial evidence refers to evidence that does not directly prove the existence of a fact but rather includes a collection of facts, conditions, and events from which inferences can be drawn. This type of evidence often requires interpretation by the judge or jury to connect it to the conclusion in question. For example, if a person is seen running away from a crime scene shortly after a crime occurs, the circumstances surrounding that event may suggest their involvement, even if no direct evidence (like eyewitness testimony or a confession) links them to the crime. In contrast, evidence that directly proves a fact leaves little room for interpretation, placing it in a different category. Oral testimony from a witness is also not considered circumstantial since it typically provides a direct account of what someone saw or heard. Physical evidence from a crime scene can support claims but, again, does not fit the definition of circumstantial evidence, as it typically serves as direct evidence regarding specific facts of the case. Thus, the definition of circumstantial evidence aligns perfectly with the choice that highlights the inference-drawing aspect.