Legal Definitions - oblique

Term: OBLIQUE
Definition: Oblique means not direct or straightforward. It can refer to something that is indirect or at an angle. Example 1: An oblique heir is someone who is not in a direct line of descent to inherit something. For example, if a person dies without a will, their property may go to an oblique heir, such as a cousin or distant relative, instead of their children or spouse. Example 2: Oblique evidence is evidence that is not directly related to a case, but can still be used to support a claim. For instance, if a person is accused of a crime, but there is no direct evidence linking them to the crime, the prosecution may use oblique evidence, such as witness testimony or circumstantial evidence, to build their case. These examples illustrate how oblique can refer to something that is not straightforward or direct. In both cases, there is a deviation from the expected or direct path. An oblique heir is not the expected heir, while oblique evidence is not the direct evidence that would prove guilt or innocence.