What type of evidence requires presumption or inference to establish a fact?

Circumstantial evidence is characterized by the requirement for presumption or inference to establish a fact. Unlike direct evidence, which directly links a defendant to a crime or fact without the need for further interpretation (such as a witness observing the crime), circumstantial evidence relies on a series of facts or circumstances that suggest or imply a conclusion. For instance, if someone is seen running away from the scene of a crime and there are fingerprints found at the location, these facts may lead one to infer that the person had a role in the crime, even if there is no direct proof of their involvement. This indirect approach means that circumstantial evidence can sway a case by building a logical argument based on the evidence presented, requiring the jury or judge to make connections based on what can be reasonably inferred from the circumstances.