Is hearsay generally admissible in court?

Hearsay is defined as an out-of-court statement made by someone other than the witness who is testifying, offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. Generally, hearsay is not admissible in court due to concerns about its reliability and the inability to cross-examine the original speaker about the statement. However, the rules of evidence recognize that there may be circumstances under which hearsay can be admitted, creating a range of exceptions. These exceptions allow certain hearsay statements to be used as evidence when they meet specific criteria, such as spontaneity, corroboration with other evidence, or when the declarant is unavailable.

The correct answer reflects this understanding, emphasizing that while hearsay is typically inadmissible, there are notable exceptions that allow it to be considered in legal proceedings. This framework ensures that the integrity of the judicial process is maintained while also accommodating certain reliable hearsay declarations that can aid in the pursuit of justice.