The Four Types of Evidence

This discussion will focus on a general overview of evidence used in the courts of law. The Federal government has what is known as the Federal Rules of Evidence manual that is mandatory in all federal cases. That includes both civil and criminal proceedings. Many states also have rules of evidence that are very similar to the federal governments. For the remainder of this discussion we shall focus on only the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Many types f evidence exist. But first, I believe it is necessary to remind everyone of direct and indirect evidence. "Direct evidence is evidence that proves a fact or proposition directly, rather that by secondary deduction or inference" (Nemeth, 2001). Eyewitness testimony and a defendant's confession are both "direct" evidence. Indirect (a.k.a. circumstantial) evidence is a fact that can be used to infer another fact. Circumstantial evidence includes body fluids, fibers, and expert witnesses. For example, a woman is found dead at her home with a fiber on her shirt. Eventually, the fiber can lead to the killer.

As stated above, many types of evidence exist. Judicially noticed evidence is usually automatically admitted and does not require the rigorous procedure requirements. That type of evidence is basically like common knowledge or an indisputable fact, for example there are 24 hours in a day. Witnesses, physical, direct, indirect, testimony, expert testimony and opinions, documents and hearsay are other types of evidence. Although the evidence is needed to prove the innocence or guilt of a defendant, evidence must first go through certain processes before it can be used. Therefore, we will continue now with the "rules" of evidence.