Which type of evidence is defined as establishing a fact in dispute by law at face value?

Direct evidence is the type of evidence that directly establishes a fact in dispute without the need for inference or additional reasoning. This evidence can include eyewitness accounts, video recordings, or any material that provides direct proof of a fact. For instance, if a witness testifies that they saw a suspect commit a crime, this is considered direct evidence because it provides straightforward proof of the act.

In contrast, circumstantial evidence relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, meaning it requires additional reasoning to establish a fact. Testimonial evidence refers specifically to statements made in court by witnesses, which can also include direct observations but may not necessarily establish a fact alone. Trace evidence involves small quantities of material that can be transferred from one place to another and does not inherently establish facts without further analysis or context.

Therefore, direct evidence is the clear choice for defining evidence that establishes a fact in dispute at face value, as it provides unequivocal proof without requiring any further interpretation.