Hearsay is defined as out-of-court statements offered for the truth of the matters asserted, and may be admitted only if within recognized exceptions.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for written statements
• D. Only if the declarant testifies

Answer: (A)

Hearsay is the idea that an out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of what it asserts is typically not admissible because the person who made the statement isn’t available for cross-examination, which helps guard against unreliable testimony. Because of that reliability concern, such statements may come in only if they fit a recognized exception or exclusion. There are many recognized exceptions—like party admissions, certain prior statements by a witness, excited utterances, present sense impressions, and business or official records—each providing a reason why the statement’s trustworthiness is deemed sufficient for admission. Remember also that some out-of-court statements can be admitted for purposes other than proving the truth of the matter asserted (like showing notice or effect on the listener), but when the goal is truth, the statement must fall under an exception. So the statement in the question reflects the proper understanding of hearsay.