Circumstantial evidence

Circumstantial evidence
circumstantial cir`cum*stan"tial (s[~e]r`k[u^]m*st[a^]n"shal), a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.] [1913 Webster] 1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents. [1913 Webster]

The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. --Paley. [1913 Webster]

2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential. [1913 Webster]

We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. --Sharp. [1913 Webster]

3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. [1913 Webster]

Tedious and circumstantial recitals. --Prior. [1913 Webster]

{Circumstantial evidence} (Law), evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support. All testimony is more or less circumstantial. --Wharton.

Syn: See {Minute}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • circumstantial evidence — see evidence Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996. circumstantial evidence …   Law dictionary

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  • circumstantial evidence — n. Law that evidence which is offered to prove certain attendant circumstances from which the existence of the fact at issue may be inferred; indirect evidence …   English World dictionary

  • Circumstantial evidence — For other uses, see Circumstantial Evidence (disambiguation). Circumstantial evidence is evidence in which an inference is required to connect it to a conclusion of fact, like a fingerprint at the scene of a crime. By contrast, direct evidence… …   Wikipedia

  • circumstantial evidence — proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred (contrasted with direct evidence). Also called indirect evidence. [1730 40] * * * In law, evidence that is drawn not from direct observation of a fact at issue but from… …   Universalium

  • circumstantial evidence — noun evidence providing only a basis for inference about the fact in dispute • Syn: ↑indirect evidence • Ant: ↑direct evidence • Topics: ↑law, ↑jurisprudence • Hypernyms: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • circumstantial evidence — /ˌsɜkəmstænʃəl ˈɛvədəns/ (say .serkuhmstanshuhl evuhduhns) noun proof of facts offered as evidence from which other facts are to be inferred; indirect evidence: *Circumstantial evidence isn t worth a cracker in court, on something like this.… …  

  • Circumstantial Evidence (1945 film) — Circumstantial Evidence Theatrical release poster Directed by John Larkin Produced by …   Wikipedia

  • Circumstantial Evidence (album) — Circumstantial Evidence Studio album by Shalamar Released June 13, 1987 Recorded 1986 at G …   Wikipedia

  • Circumstantial Evidence (disambiguation) — Circumstantial evidence is a concept in law. Circumstantial Evidence may also refer to: Circumstantial Evidence (1945 film), a 1945 American film noir Circumstantial Evidence (1952 film), a British film Circumstantial Evidence (album), a 1987… …   Wikipedia

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