What is the difference between hearsay and direct evidence?

The difference between hearsay and direct evidence is the source of the information. Hearsay is a statement that someone else has made, while direct evidence is based on what the witness has personally seen, heard, smelled, touched, or tasted. In California, hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible in court, because it is unreliable. This is because hearsay evidence is based on what someone else has said, and cannot be independently verified. This means that the court cannot be sure the hearsay statement is accurate or trustworthy. Direct evidence, on the other hand, is admissible in court, because the witness can provide reliable testimony about what they personally experienced. For example, a witness may testify about what they saw someone do, or heard someone say. In addition, other evidence such as photos, videos, and documents can be presented as direct evidence. Hearsay and direct evidence are both important for determining guilt or innocence in criminal cases, as both provide critical information about a case. But it’s important to recognize the key differences between these two types of evidence, as the reliability and admissibility of each type can impact the outcome of a case.

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What is the difference between hearsay and direct evidence?

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