Which term describes evidence that can directly, or indirectly, establish guilt?

Inculpatory evidence is the term that describes evidence that can directly or indirectly establish a person's guilt in a criminal proceeding. This type of evidence works to support the prosecution's case, as it implies or suggests that the individual in question has committed the crime. For instance, if a suspect is found with stolen property, that fact serves as inculpatory evidence, as it suggests involvement in theft.

This type of evidence is pivotal in legal proceedings because it builds a narrative of guilt, allowing a judge or jury to connect the suspect to the crime in question. Such evidence can be crucial in securing a conviction, as it provides a basis for determining the suspect's culpability.

In contrast, exculpatory evidence is evidence that may exonerate or prove the innocence of a defendant, effectively working against the establishment of guilt. Corroborative evidence is supplementary evidence that confirms or supports existing evidence, but it does not necessarily stand alone to prove guilt. Circumstantial evidence indirectly suggests guilt based on the circumstances surrounding the case, but its conclusions often require further inference and are not as straightforward as inculpatory evidence.