The Hearsay Rule is a rule of Evidence in a Trial Court that says you can not admit the statement of someone who is not subject to cross examination as to FACTS of the Case...
For Example: The Classic "John Said: 'It was Green'..." If John is not testifying there is no way to examine him about truth of that statement...So that testimony is Hearsay and not admitted as evidence to prove the case...
There are many "Exceptions" to the Hearsay Rule that Developed under Common Law...Click Here for Link giving a List of Exceptions.
There are so many exceptions that the Rule has been said to be like a Swiss Cheese..!
Most of the Exceptions involve situations where the fact admitted is so obvious or important that not admitting it would be unfair...
Nowadays Hearsay is defined by the State Rules of Evidence... Each State may be different and the old Common Law Rules may not apply.
For Example: The Classic "John Said: 'It was Green'..." If John is not testifying there is no way to examine him about truth of that statement...So that testimony is Hearsay and not admitted as evidence to prove the case...
There are many "Exceptions" to the Hearsay Rule that Developed under Common Law...Click Here for Link giving a List of Exceptions.
There are so many exceptions that the Rule has been said to be like a Swiss Cheese..!
Most of the Exceptions involve situations where the fact admitted is so obvious or important that not admitting it would be unfair...
Nowadays Hearsay is defined by the State Rules of Evidence... Each State may be different and the old Common Law Rules may not apply.
