Which type of evidence is based on what a witness has personally experienced or witnessed?

Direct evidence is the type of evidence that is grounded in a witness's direct knowledge or experience. When a witness provides testimony about something they personally observed, such as seeing a crime occur or hearing a verbal exchange between parties, that testimony qualifies as direct evidence. This type of evidence directly supports the truth of the assertion being made, making it a powerful component in legal proceedings.

In contrast, circumstantial evidence relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, rather than directly proving or disproving an assertion. Documentary evidence consists of written documents that may support a case but does not involve a witness's direct experience. Real evidence refers to physical objects presented in court, which may be examined but do not involve personal testimony. Therefore, the essence of direct evidence lies in its firsthand nature, which is why it is the correct answer for describing evidence born from a witness's personal experience.