An admission is a party's statement that constitutes evidence against the party; admissions by a party are always competent evidence against the party.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if in writing
• D. Only if made in court

Answer: (A)

The statement of a party that goes against that party’s own interests is automatically admissible as evidence against that party. In evidence terms, such statements aren’t hearsay because the party who made them is opposing the party offered against, so they carry weight as substantive proof of liability or guilt. They can be spoken or written and can come from out of court or in court, making them versatile and useful in proving the case. The only real limits would be things like privileges (for example, protected communications with an attorney) or cases where a statement was obtained in violations of rights that lead to suppression, but those are exceptions to the general rule. That’s why this statement is true: party admissions are competent evidence against the party.