Hearsay Rule
/ˈhɪrseɪ ruːl/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal principle excluding out-of-court statements offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, due to concerns over reliability.
The hearsay rule prevented the testimony based on a witness’s secondhand account from being admitted.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The hearsay rule is central to evidence law and often requires knowing numerous exceptions; precise drafting of exceptions is key to admission of certain statements.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.