Circumstantial evidence is best defined as which of the following?

Circumstantial evidence is best characterized as evidence that requires inference. This type of evidence does not directly prove that a fact occurred but rather suggests a conclusion based on the circumstances surrounding the event. It allows individuals to piece together facts that may lead to logical deductions. For example, if a person is seen running away from a crime scene with a weapon, that observation can infer their potential involvement in the crime, despite the absence of direct evidence linking them to the act itself.

In contrast, physical evidence from the crime scene is typically known as direct evidence since it can be clearly linked to the incident without needing further inference. Direct testimonies from witnesses also fall into the category of direct evidence, as they provide firsthand accounts of the events that took place. Data analyzed after an event may provide insights or context, but it does not constitute circumstantial evidence unless it implies conclusions based on surrounding facts.