Doctrine of circumstantial evidence

The doctrine of circumstantial evidence refers to a legal principle where evidence is not direct but instead relies on an inference to establish a fact. In criminal law, it allows for a conclusion based on the surrounding circumstances and the logical deductions that can be drawn from those facts. Courts can convict a defendant based on circumstantial evidence if it collectively points to guilt, provided that the evidence excludes reasonable doubt. This doctrine emphasizes that while direct evidence is compelling, a strong case can also be built from the context and implications of indirect evidence.