Common examples of hearsay include:
- Statements by Witnesses: Testimony about what someone else said outside of court, such as a witness recounting a conversation they had with another person.
- Written Documents: Written statements or documents that are offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as letters, emails, text messages, or social media posts.
- Police Reports: Statements made by witnesses or individuals involved in an incident, as recorded in a police report, may be considered hearsay if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted.
- Medical Records: Statements made by patients to healthcare providers, as recorded in medical records, may be hearsay if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as statements about the cause of an injury or illness.
- Business Records: Records kept in the regular course of business, such as sales receipts, invoices, or payroll records, may contain hearsay statements if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as statements about a transaction or event.
- Statements in News Articles: Statements made by individuals quoted in news articles may be considered hearsay if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as statements about an event or incident.
- Prior Testimony: Testimony given by a witness in a prior court proceeding may be considered hearsay if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as testimony about what another witness said in a previous trial.
- Statements by Parties: Statements made by parties to a case, either in court or outside of court, may be considered hearsay if offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted, such as admissions against interest or statements made in a contract.
These are just a few examples of hearsay evidence commonly encountered in legal proceedings. It’s important to note that hearsay is generally inadmissible unless it falls within one of the recognized exceptions to the hearsay rule.