hearsay evidence

American  

noun

Law.

1. testimony based on what a witness has heard from another person rather than on direct personal knowledge or experience.

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hearsay evidence British  

noun

1. law evidence based on what has been reported to a witness by others rather than what he has himself observed or experienced (not generally admissible as evidence)

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Etymology

Origin of hearsay evidence

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

More liberal rules allowing hearsay evidence allowed lawyers for the Brown and Goldman families to use excerpts from the Nicole’s diaries.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

The judge is hearing from witnesses as he weighs what hearsay evidence can be used against the defendant, Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, who is accused of plotting the bombing of the warship in Oct.

From New York Times • Apr. 28, 2023

It added that "the statements recorded before the inquiry committee by the cabin crew show that there is no eyewitness to the incident and all the statements are merely hearsay evidence".

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2023

He was released from prison after the California Supreme Court reversed the conviction in 1968, citing hearsay evidence that should not have been allowed at trial, The Chronicle reported, citing court records.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

In giving hearsay evidence, for example, he may suggest a new and important witness of whom the counsel for the other side would not otherwise have heard, and who can then be brought into court.

From The Shadow On The Dial, and Other Essays 1909 by Howes, S. O. (Silas Orrin)