What type of evidence is generally not based on direct observation?

Circumstantial evidence is characterized by the fact that it does not rely on direct observation of a fact or event. Instead, it consists of information and inferences that can be drawn from various situations or evidence presented in a case. This type of evidence requires a certain level of reasoning or interpretation, as it relies on the context surrounding the facts rather than providing a direct link to the conclusion.

For instance, if a person is seen leaving a crime scene, this constitutes direct evidence. However, if someone's fingerprints are found at the scene and they have a motive or connection to the location, this creates circumstantial evidence that points to possible involvement, even though it does not directly observe the event occurring.

This reliance on inference rather than firsthand observation is what distinguishes circumstantial evidence from other types, such as direct evidence, which is based on direct knowledge of an event.