Hearsay Evidence - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition hearsay-evidence

Definition :

Hearsay evidence. It is a general principle in the law of evidence that if any fact is to be proved against anyone, it ought to be proved in his presence by the testimony of a witness sworn to speak the truth; and the reason of the rule is, that the person who is to be affected by the evidence ought to have an opportunity of interrogating the witness as to his means of knowledge, and concerning all the particulars of his statement. Hearsay evidence (whether spoken or written) of a fact, therefore, is not admissible. And this rule is extended to affidavits, which, except on interlocutory motions, when statements as to belief with the grounds thereof are admissible, must be confined to facts which the deponent can prove of his own knowledge [(English) R.S.C. 1883, Ord. XXXVIII.,r. 3].

Among the exceptions to the general rule as to the inadmissibility of hearsay evidence are the follow-ing: (1) dying declarations; (2) hearsay in questions of pedigree; (3) hearsay on questions of public right, customs, boundaries, etc.; (4) admissibility of old leases, rent-rolls, surveys, etc.; (5) admissibility of declarations against interest; (6) admissibility of incumbents' books; (7) res gest' (q.v.)'see EVI-DENCE. Consult Best, Powell, Roscoe, or Taylor on Evid.