What type of evidence does hearsay refer to?

Hearsay refers specifically to statements made by third parties that are offered in court as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted in those statements. This type of evidence is generally considered unreliable because the person who made the original statement is not present in court to be cross-examined, undermining the opportunity for scrutiny regarding its credibility. Therefore, when a witness recounts what another individual said outside of court, it falls under the definition of hearsay and is typically not admissible as evidence in legal proceedings unless it meets certain exceptions.

Direct observations by witnesses involve firsthand accounts that can be directly validated and cross-examined, making them a more reliable form of evidence. Official documents submitted in court may consist of records or forms that have been verified and authenticated, thus serving a different purpose than hearsay. Physical evidence collected at the scene, such as weapons or fingerprints, represents tangible items rather than statements, and does not fall into the category of hearsay.