Circumstantial evidence relies on what to draw conclusions?

Circumstantial evidence relies on personal knowledge or observations to draw conclusions. This type of evidence does not involve direct proof of a fact but instead presents various pieces of information that, when viewed together, suggest a particular conclusion. The essence of circumstantial evidence is that it builds an inference based on the context and surrounding circumstances.

For instance, if someone is seen fleeing a crime scene or if a person's fingerprints are found at the location of an incident, these observations do not directly prove that the person committed the crime, but they may lead to the conclusion that they were involved based on the information available. Personal knowledge and observations are crucial because they reflect the perceptions and interpretations of the individuals witnessing the events or evidence in question.

In contrast, direct observation provides concrete evidence, expert opinions rely on specialized knowledge in a particular field, and documents and records serve as tangible proof. While each of these has its place in the legal and investigative processes, circumstantial evidence is uniquely dependent on the interpretations drawn from personal experiences and observations.