hearsays
Gossip, legally speaking
Hearsays is the plural of hearsay—information received secondhand rather than observed directly.
The plural appears when distinguishing multiple instances or sources of unverified information: The report compiled various hearsays from witnesses who weren't present at the scene.
In legal contexts, hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible because it can't be cross-examined.
Not officially validated
- reportsFormal written findings
- accountsRecords of transactions
- sourcesPoints of origin
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
word · unofficial · unverified · received · relayed · transmitted · communicated · oral
Not allowed as evidence
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
- witnessOne who attests
objection · courtroom · unreliable · statements · declarations · out-of-court · exceptions · rules
Unconfirmed circulating stories
- whispersSpeaks very quietly
- talkVerbal exchange between people
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
- scuttlebuttInformal rumor or speculation
grapevine · buzz · chatter · speculation · murmurs · word-of-mouth · idle talk · loose lips
unconfirmed
Not officially validated
secondhand · word · unofficial · unverified · received · relayed · transmitted · communicated · oral · circulating
inadmissible
Not allowed as evidence
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
witness · objection · courtroom · unreliable · statements · declarations · out-of-court · exceptions · rules · probative
rumors
Unconfirmed circulating stories
- whispersSpeaks very quietly
- talkVerbal exchange between people
- tittle-tattleTrivial, idle chatter
scuttlebutt · grapevine · buzz · chatter · speculation · murmurs · word-of-mouth · idle talk · loose lips · tongues wagging
hearsaysfirsthand accounts
Reports from direct observers
eyewitness testimony · direct evidence · eyewitness reports · primary sources · eyewitness accounts
hearsayshard evidence
official records · sworn testimony · empirical data · evidence · matter of record
- hearsay evidenceUnverified reported statements