What is the difference between hearsay and direct evidence?

Hearsay is a statement made outside of court by someone who is not testifying as a witness in the trial. An example of hearsay is a statement made by a neighbor who heard a dispute between two people and then told the police what they heard. The statement would not be allowed as evidence in court because the neighbor is not testifying as a witness. Direct evidence, on the other hand, is testimony or other proof presented in court by a witness. An example of direct evidence would be if the neighbor testified in court and told the jury what they heard. Direct evidence is considered more reliable as the witness is present in court and can be questioned by the attorneys. In criminal proceedings in Washington, hearsay evidence is generally not allowed. Unless it fits within a recognized exception, such as an excited utterance or a dying declaration, hearsay is inadmissable. Direct evidence, however, is used to prove the elements of the offense and establish the guilt of the defendant in a criminal case.

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What is the difference between hearsay and direct evidence?

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