[droopyEyelids]

This is true, but circumstantial evidence is seldom enough to have the DA bring a case to trial because it is weak evidence.

At least, thats my impression im not a lawyer.

[tptacek]

My understanding is that the opposite is closer to the truth: most cases are made on circumstantial evidence. Jury instructions apparently tell jurors not to weight it any differently than direct evidence.

[sitkack]

What does that mean? That they makeup spurious causal chains and believe that is reality?

[tptacek]

Just search [missouri model jury instructions circumstantial evidence]. Jury instructions are written in plain English.

[mahmoudimus]

This is indeed true. Most cases are made on circumstantial evidence.

[tiahura]

Actually the instructions tell the jury that how much weight to give to any evidence is up to them.

[aidenn0]

Multiple witnesses seeing a suspect run out of a store holding a smoking gun shortly after the store clerk was shot is both circumstantial evidence and plenty for a DA to bring to trial.

[tptacek]

I don't think? this is even a real debate. One can want it to be otherwise, but criminal law does not disfavor circumstantial evidence.