indirect evidence

Thân thiện

A detective examines indirect evidence at a crime scene.

Definition

NounEvidence that does not directly prove a key fact but allows a logical inference or conclusion to be drawn about it. It is circumstantial, meaning it requires reasoning to connect it to the main point in question.

Usage

Indirect evidence is a legal and logical term used when direct proof is unavailable. It is presented to support a conclusion by establishing surrounding circumstances.

Examples

• The prosecutor's case relied heavily on indirect evidence, such as the defendant's suspicious behavior and financial records, as there were no eyewitnesses.
• In science, a hypothesis is often supported by indirect evidence gathered from experiments and observations.
• The jury was instructed on how to consider the indirect evidence presented during the trial.

Advanced Usage

• "A chain of indirect evidence": A series of connected circumstantial facts that collectively point to a conclusion.
  • The conviction was based on a compelling chain of indirect evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Circumstantial evidence (n): A near-synonym often used interchangeably with in legal contexts, referring to evidence based on inference.
• Direct evidence (n): Evidence that directly proves a fact (e.g., an eyewitness account), serving as the conceptual opposite.

Synonyms

• Circumstantial evidence
• Inferential evidence

Antonyms

• Direct evidence
• Conclusive proof

Học thuật

Noun

1. evidence providing only a basis for inference about the fact in dispute

Từ đồng nghĩa

• circumstantial evidence