What are the rules for hearsay evidence in criminal cases?

Hearsay evidence is a type of secondary evidence that is used in court proceedings. In general, this means any out-of-court statement made by a person other than the witness who is currently testifying. In criminal cases, there are specific rules that govern what is and is not allowed when it comes to hearsay evidence. In the state of Florida, hearsay evidence is governed by Section 90.802 of the state’s statutes. According to this statute, hearsay evidence is inadmissible in criminal proceedings, unless it fits one of the following exceptions: 1. The statement is made by the defendant. 2. The statement is made by an unavailable witness, and the statement has been proven reliable. 3. The statement is one of identification of a person or a thing. 4. The statement is a prior consistent statement made to a witness by the defendant. 5. The statement is one of anticipation of physical or mental injury. 6. The statement is one of admission of guilt of a crime. 7. The statement is one of boundaries or location of land. 8. The statement is one of medical diagnosis or treatment. 9. The statement is one of past knowledge or observance made to a witness by the defendant. 10. The statement is one of reputation regarding a crime. For each of these exceptions, the out-of-court statement must also meet certain criteria in order to be admissible. If any part of its criteria is not met, then the hearsay evidence is inadmissible. In Florida, it is important to understand the rules of hearsay evidence so that court proceedings are conducted in a proper manner.

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What are the rules for hearsay evidence in criminal cases?

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