Hearsay Exception

A hearsay exception is a legal rule that allows certain secondhand statements—others’ words presented as evidence—to be admitted in court even though normally hearsay is not allowed. These exceptions exist because the law recognizes that, under specific circumstances, such statements are reliable or important enough to be considered, such as statements made during emergencies, writings, or statements against interest. Essentially, they provide a way to admit valuable evidence that would otherwise be excluded, balancing the need for fairness with the reliability of the statement.