Evidence that is not readily visible to the naked eye is called?

• A. Direct evidence
• B. Circumstantial evidence
• C. Latent evidence
• D. Visible evidence

Answer: (C)

Latent evidence is evidence not readily visible to the naked eye and requires processing, analysis, or specialized techniques to reveal it. In crime scene work, this includes things like latent fingerprints, trace residues, or hidden impressions that only show up when powders, chemicals, or lab testing are used. Once revealed, these pieces of evidence can connect a suspect to a scene or a victim, or place the scene at a specific time, which is why latent evidence is crucial in investigations.

Direct evidence would prove a fact on its own, without inference (such as a video recording or a confession). Circumstantial evidence depends on reasoning to connect a fact to the conclusion, rather than proving it outright. Visible evidence is what you can see without any enhancement or testing.