LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Proof — Circumstantial Evidence — Standard Required
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Circumstantial evidence is often the best evidence; it is evidence of surrounding circumstances capable of proving a proposition with the accuracy of mathematics.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
"Circumstantial evidence is very often the best. It is evidence of surrounding circumstances which, by undesigned coincidence, is capable of proving a proposition with the accuracy of mathematics. It is no derogation of evidence to say that it is circumstantial."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Circumstantial evidence is not inferior to direct evidence. It can be the best evidence available. Circumstantial evidence consists of surrounding circumstances that, by undesigned coincidence, prove a proposition with mathematical accuracy. Calling evidence circumstantial is not derogatory. The principle corrects the misconception that circumstantial evidence is weak. Properly evaluated, circumstantial evidence can be conclusive. The court must examine the totality of circumstances. The strength lies in the interlocking nature of the evidence. The principle applies in both criminal and civil cases. The court must be careful to avoid speculation, but strong circumstantial evidence is highly probative. The jury or judge must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt.