Dictionary

hearsay evidence

the report of another person's words by a witness We opposed his evidence on the grounds that it was hearsay and therefore inadmissible.

Other

  • hearsay

Phrase Bank

  • The evidence was ruled to be hearsay.
  • The court was correct to exclude hearsay statements.
  • Certain types of hearsay evidence are admissible.
  • The attorney objected to the hearsay testimony.

Additional Notes

  • Sometimes called secondhand evidence. Original evidence is an antonym of hearsay evidence.
  • Hearsay evidence is considered to be somewhat unreliable and is often excluded from trials.