What type of evidence proves a fact without any inference or presumption?

Direct evidence is the type of evidence that directly proves a fact without needing any inference or presumption. This means that it provides straightforward, observable proof of a fact. For example, if a witness sees a crime being committed and provides testimony about what they witnessed, that would be considered direct evidence. This type of evidence acts as a clear, unambiguous link to the fact in question—no additional reasoning or deductions are required to establish its truth.

In contrast, circumstantial and indirect evidence requires inference; they suggest the probability of a fact based on the surrounding circumstances rather than providing direct proof. Substantial evidence, while an important legal term, generally refers to evidence that is sufficient to support a conclusion but does not define the nature of that evidence as clearly as direct evidence does. By understanding these distinctions, it becomes clear why direct evidence is pivotal in legal contexts, as it eliminates doubt regarding the establishment of facts.