hearsay evidence

noun

, Law.

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

hearsay evidence

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearsay evidence¹

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

A judge has ruled that hearsay evidence used in the prosecution of Soldier F over Bloody Sunday in 1972 can be used at his trial.

From BBC

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

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

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.

From Seattle Times