hearsay etymology

Etymology: Old English: heren gesegen Middle English: heresegen

Meaning: Hearsay is statements made outside of court that are offered as evidence of the truth of the matters asserted. It is generally not admissible as evidence in court because it is considered unreliable.

Origin: The word "hearsay" comes from the Old English word "heren gesegen," which means "heard saying." It is a compound word made up of the verb "heren" (to hear) and the noun "gesegen" (saying). The word "gesegen" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *sagjaną, which also means "to say" or "to tell."

Usage: Hearsay is often used in informal settings, such as conversations or news reports. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of hearsay evidence when it comes to legal proceedings. In general, hearsay evidence is not admissible in court because it is considered unreliable. This is because the person who made the statement is not present in court to be cross-examined about the statement. As a result, the jury or judge cannot assess the credibility of the statement or the person who made it.

There are some exceptions to the hearsay rule. For example, hearsay evidence is admissible in court if it falls within one of the following exceptions:

  • Excited utterance: A statement made under the influence of excitement that relates to a startling event or condition.
  • Present sense impression: A statement made while the declarant is perceiving an event or condition.
  • Dying declaration: A statement made by a person who believes they are about to die.
  • Admission of a party opponent: A statement made by a party to the lawsuit that is against their own interests.

These are just a few of the exceptions to the hearsay rule. There are many other exceptions that may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

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