1.12 Definition of "Direct" and "Circumstantial" Evidence. Refers to two different types of evidence presented in a court of law. Direct evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact or issue in question, without the need for any inference or presumption. Direct evidence can include statements made by a witness, tangible objects, or documents that all point to a conclusion. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, is a type of evidence that requires an inference in order to prove a fact or issue. This type of evidence may include a pattern of behavior, a motive, or any other type of circumstantial evidence that requires an inference to draw a conclusion. In some cases, both direct and circumstantial evidence may be used in tandem to prove a fact or issue.