Court Reporter Practice Exam

What best describes hearsay?

1. Direct evidence from a witness

2. The opinion of an expert witness

3. Secondhand information such as rumors or gossip

4. Legal documents presented as evidence

The correct answer is: Secondhand information such as rumors or gossip

Hearsay is defined as an out-of-court statement made by someone other than the person testifying, which is offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in that statement. This concept primarily involves secondhand information, making "secondhand information such as rumors or gossip" the most fitting description of hearsay. It is important to note that hearsay lacks the necessary reliability that direct testimony provides, as the original speaker is not present in court to be questioned or to clarify their statement. This is why hearsay is generally inadmissible as evidence in legal proceedings, unless it falls under certain recognized exceptions. Other descriptions like direct evidence, expert opinions, and legal documents pertain to different evidentiary types. Direct evidence is firsthand testimony, expert opinions rely on the qualifications of the witness to provide specialized knowledge, and legal documents must adhere to specific rules of admissibility separate from hearsay considerations. Understanding this distinction helps clarify why hearsay is characterized particularly by its secondhand nature.