What are the two major types of evidence?

The two major types of evidence are direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence provides straightforward proof of a fact, such as eyewitness testimony or a video recording that directly demonstrates the occurrence of an event. This type of evidence is crucial as it can directly link to the conclusion without the need for further inference.

Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, requires a level of inference to connect it to the fact in question. It involves indirect evidence that suggests a conclusion but does not directly prove it. For instance, finding a suspect's fingerprints at a crime scene can be circumstantial evidence, as it indicates their presence but does not definitively prove their involvement in the crime.

Understanding these distinctions is vital in investigative practice, as both types of evidence play significant roles in building a case. The combination of direct and circumstantial evidence can help establish a more comprehensive narrative in an investigation.