What are the rules for hearsay evidence in criminal trials?

In Minnesota, generally speaking, hearsay evidence is inadmissible in criminal trials. This means that a witness cannot give testimony that is based on what someone else said or wrote. This is to ensure that the jury is only hearing reliable information that can be tested in court. There are, however, certain exceptions that allow hearsay evidence to be used in criminal trials. These exceptions exist when the statement being shared is reliable, and the person who made the statement is unavailable to testify. One of the most commonly heard hearsay exceptions in criminal trials is the "excited utterance" exception. This exception allows a witness to testify to statements made by a person in the heat of excitement, without having to prove the reliability of the statement. Additionally, a "declaration against interest" exception exists, which allows a witness to testify to a statement made by a person who is unavailable to testify if it is against the interest of the party to whom the statement is attributed. Minnesota also recognizes a medical diagnosis exception, which allows a witness to testify about a medical diagnosis provided by a doctor who is no longer available to testify. This exception allows the jury to draw its own conclusion based on the medical diagnosis. Finally, the "business records" exception allows a witness to testify to records kept in the ordinary course of business, so long as it is established that the records were kept in a reliable manner. In short, these exceptions, as well as any other exceptions recognized by Minnesota law, allow hearsay evidence to be used in criminal trials when the statement is reliable and the person who made the statement is unavailable to testify.

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What are the rules for hearsay evidence in criminal trials?

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