What is circumstantial evidence used for?

Circumstantial evidence refers to evidence that does not directly prove a fact but instead allows a jury or judge to infer the existence of that fact based on the surrounding circumstances. It plays a crucial role in legal proceedings, especially in criminal cases where direct evidence may not always be available.

The correct understanding of circumstantial evidence is that it is used to connect dots between various pieces of evidence or circumstances to establish a conclusion. For example, if a person is seen near the scene of a crime with a motive, that could serve as circumstantial evidence to suggest their involvement, even if there is no direct proof of their actions during the crime itself.

Regarding the other options, direct proof of a fact emphasizes evidence that directly confirms something, which doesn't apply to circumstantial evidence. Evaluating the validity of contracts involves looking at the intentions, terms, and agreements between parties, which is not the primary use of circumstantial evidence. Lastly, while payment appropriation can be assessed through various forms of evidence, circumstantial evidence specifically connects to inferences rather than providing justification for financial transactions.

Thus, circumstantial evidence serves to support conclusions regarding facts through indirect connections, making it essential in various legal contexts, primarily when direct evidence is lacking.