What is the term for verbal evidence obtained from witnesses or suspects?

The correct term for verbal evidence obtained from witnesses or suspects is recognized as testimonial evidence. This type of evidence is directly related to the statements made by individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the events in question. Such testimony can be crucial in legal contexts, as it helps form a narrative around the incident and can corroborate other forms of evidence.

Testimonial evidence is typically gathered during interviews or interrogations, where witnesses or suspects provide accounts of their experiences or observations. This form of evidence is often pivotal in court proceedings, as it can influence the jury's understanding of the case.

In contrast, circumstantial evidence refers to indirect evidence that implies a fact but does not directly prove it. Physical evidence includes tangible items that can be collected at a crime scene, such as fingerprints or weapons. Forensic evidence involves scientific methods to analyze physical evidence, often using technology or specialized techniques to draw conclusions. Each of these types of evidence plays a different role in legal investigations and proceedings, but testimonial evidence specifically pertains to verbal accounts.