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

See Examples For:

hearsay evidence

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

The DPP said that testimony given by Det Ch Insp Neil Hibberd on the arrest and crucial shoe-print evidence that linked Ali Kololo to the scene of the crime was "purely hearsay evidence".

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2023

Ms. Kelly noted that Ms. Hutchinson often presented hearsay evidence, based on what she “overheard” and was “in the vicinity of a conversation.”

From Washington Times ● Jun. 30, 2022

The court has ruled that hearsay evidence will not be accepted.

From The Lost Despatch by Natalie Sumner Lincoln