How many primary categories of evidence are described?

How many primary categories of evidence are described?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (C)

Evidence is commonly grouped into three broad kinds: direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, and documentary or physical evidence. Direct evidence proves a fact directly, such as a witness who directly observed the event. Circumstantial evidence requires inference to connect it to a fact, like fingerprints or motive. Documentary or physical evidence consists of tangible items or documents that bear on the matter. The material describes these three as the main categories, so three is the best answer. One or two would miss a category, and four would add a category not described.

Evidence is commonly grouped into three broad kinds: direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, and documentary or physical evidence. Direct evidence proves a fact directly, such as a witness who directly observed the event. Circumstantial evidence requires inference to connect it to a fact, like fingerprints or motive. Documentary or physical evidence consists of tangible items or documents that bear on the matter. The material describes these three as the main categories, so three is the best answer. One or two would miss a category, and four would add a category not described.