forensic science

For example, if a fingerprint or hair found at the crime scene matches that of a suspect, jurors may infer that the print or hair is indeed that of the defendant, and because it was found at the crime scene, links the defendant to the scene.

Eyewitnesses are notoriously bad at identifying suspects or recalling events. 

An eyewitness may be wrong as much as half the time, but fingerprints and DNA evidence can accurately distinguish the individual in question from the other 7 billion people on Earth.

“Direct evidence” means testimony, on the witness stand, under oath, from a witness.

Most people have the misconception that “circumstantial evidence” is untrustworthy, or has something wrong with it."

DNA testing, is not based on eyewitness testimony of someone who can place the defendant at the scene of the crime, but if the defendant’s DNA is found there, it is certain that the defendant was in fact there at some point.

Direct Evidence: As the name implies, direct evidence is information that directly addresses the issue at hand. It’s not merely something relevant. It plainly offers an answer to a specific research question. It may not provide as complete an answer as we would like. It may not even provide an accurate answer. But it specifically states something about our problem. It is then up to us to decide its veracity and its weight.

Evidence that establishes immediate facts from which the main fact may be inferred also called CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE.