context: The statute itself is silent on the type of proof required. It certainly does not require either a "spoken understanding" or any other direct evidence of a violation. In the absence of explicit statutory direction, it has long been established that circumstantial evidence is competent to establish the elements of a crime, including intent.
citation_a.signal: see
citation_a.identifier: 25 So.2d 563, 564
citation_a.parenthetical: "It is too well settled to require citation of authorities that any material fact may be proved by circumstantial evidence, as well as by direct evidence."
citation_a.sentence: See Moorman v. State, 157 Fla. 267, 25 So.2d 563, 564 (1946) (“It is too well settled to require citation of authorities that any material fact may be proved by circumstantial evidence, as well as by direct evidence.”); see also State v. Waters, 436 So.2d 66, 71 (Fla.1983) (“The element of intent, being a state of mind, often can only be proved by circumstantial evidence.”), cited in Gerren, 604 So.2d at 520. Moreover, Florida courts have regularly reviewed bribery and unlawful compensation cases for the legal sufficiency of the circumstantial evidence to support the charges, without requiring direct evidence.
citation_b.signal: see also
citation_b.identifier: 436 So.2d 66, 71
citation_b.parenthetical: "The element of intent, being a state of mind, often can only be proved by circumstantial evidence."
citation_b.sentence: See Moorman v. State, 157 Fla. 267, 25 So.2d 563, 564 (1946) (“It is too well settled to require citation of authorities that any material fact may be proved by circumstantial evidence, as well as by direct evidence.”); see also State v. Waters, 436 So.2d 66, 71 (Fla.1983) (“The element of intent, being a state of mind, often can only be proved by circumstantial evidence.”), cited in Gerren, 604 So.2d at 520. Moreover, Florida courts have regularly reviewed bribery and unlawful compensation cases for the legal sufficiency of the circumstantial evidence to support the charges, without requiring direct evidence.