Alabama Fire College Fire Officer 1 Practice Test 2026 - Free Fire Officer Certification Questions and Study Guide

Circumstantial evidence is characterized by inference from other events or circumstances. This type of evidence does not directly prove a fact but allows for conclusions to be drawn based on the surrounding circumstances. For example, if a person was seen running from a crime scene shortly after an incident occurred, this would be circumstantial evidence suggesting they may have been involved, even though it does not directly demonstrate that they committed the crime.

This is in contrast to direct evidence, which provides direct proof of a fact, such as an eyewitness account or a video recording of the incident. Physical evidence refers to tangible items that can confirm facts, like fingerprints or weapons. Testimonial evidence involves statements made by witnesses about what they heard or observed, which may support or contradict other evidence but does not provide the inferential basis characteristic of circumstantial evidence.