Legal Definitions - direct evidence

Definition: Direct evidence is evidence that directly links a person to a crime. It proves the ultimate fact that needs to be proven. It is the testimony of a person who has personal knowledge of the crime, such as an eyewitness. Direct evidence immediately points to the question at issue.

• An eyewitness who saw the defendant commit the crime is direct evidence.
• A video recording of the defendant committing the crime is direct evidence.
• A confession from the defendant is direct evidence.

These examples illustrate direct evidence because they directly link the defendant to the crime. An eyewitness saw the defendant commit the crime, a video recording shows the defendant committing the crime, and a confession from the defendant admits to committing the crime. These are all direct evidence because they prove the ultimate fact that needs to be proven.