Definition

Noun: - Secondhand testimony: Evidence presented in court that is based on what a witness has heard from another person, rather than on the witness's own direct observation or knowledge. It is typically not admissible because its truthfulness cannot be verified through cross-examination of the original source.

Usage

• Hearsay evidence is often excluded from trials because it is considered unreliable.
• The attorney objected to the statement, calling it inadmissible hearsay evidence.
• The judge must rule on whether the hearsay evidence falls under a legal exception.

Advanced Usage

• "Hearsay rule": The fundamental rule of evidence that prohibits the admission of hearsay statements in court, subject to specific exceptions.
  • The prosecution argued that the dying declaration was an exception to the hearsay rule.
• "Double hearsay" or "hearsay upon hearsay": A statement that reports what another person said about what a third person said. It is even less likely to be admissible.
  • The letter, which quoted a friend recounting the defendant's words, was dismissed as double hearsay.

Variants and Related Words

• Hearsay (n): Information received from other people that one cannot adequately substantiate; rumor.
  • The news was based on hearsay and not confirmed facts.
• Non-hearsay (n/adj): A statement offered for a purpose other than to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as to show the listener's state of mind. Such statements are not subject to the hearsay rule.
  • The threat was admitted as non-hearsay to explain why the witness fled.

Synonyms

• Secondhand information: Information obtained indirectly from someone else.
• Rumor: A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.

Related Phrases

• "To fall under a hearsay exception": To meet the criteria of a legally defined situation where hearsay evidence is allowed (e.g., a business record, excited utterance, or statement against interest).
  • The old diary entry was admitted into evidence as it fell under the hearsay exception for ancient documents.

Noun

1. evidence based on what someone has told the witness and not of direct knowledge