Hearsay

Hearsay is a statement repeated by someone other than the person who initially made the statement. Hearsay can also include testimony which is made in court by someone who does not have personal information about the matter to which they are testifying.

Although hearsay is usually excluded at trial, there are certain exceptions. For instance, hearsay may be allowed if it is a present sense impression, which means it is a statement describing or explaining an event which is made immediately after the event, a statement uttered in excitement related to the condition of the another person while they were under the stress of excitement caused by the event or condition, statements for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment, or a recorded recollection such as a valid marriage or birth certificate.