New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What type of testimony is considered direct evidence?

1. They have seen or experienced the event themselves

2. It is rational and well thought out

3. It involves multiple hearsay accounts from witnesses

4. It includes expert opinions about the incident

The correct answer is: They have seen or experienced the event themselves

Direct evidence is testimony that provides firsthand accounts of an event. When a witness has seen or experienced the event themselves, their testimony serves as direct evidence because it is based on their personal observations and experiences. This type of evidence directly supports or disproves a claim without needing any additional interpretation or inference. In contrast, other options do not qualify as direct evidence. Rational and well-thought-out reasoning may contribute to a solid argument but does not provide evidence of firsthand experiences. Likewise, multiple hearsay accounts, while possibly informative, are indirect and rely on secondhand information, which weakens their reliability. Expert opinions, while they can be valuable in providing context or interpretation, are also not direct evidence of an event; they are interpretations based on expertise rather than firsthand knowledge. Thus, direct evidence is specifically rooted in personal experience, which makes the first choice the correct response.