True or False: Circumstantial evidence is evidence that directly proves a fact in issue.

Circumstantial evidence is not evidence that directly proves a fact in issue; rather, it is evidence that requires an inference to establish the fact. This type of evidence involves a series of facts that, when taken together, can lead to a conclusion about a fact that is not directly observed. For instance, if someone is seen running away from a crime scene with a stolen item, this is circumstantial; it suggests involvement in the crime but does not definitively prove it.

In contrast, direct evidence, such as a witness testifying they saw the crime occur, establishes the fact without necessitating any inference. This distinction makes it clear why the statement is false. Circumstantial evidence plays an important role in legal contexts, as it can build a narrative or support a hypothesis, but it does not serve as definitive proof on its own.