What is the term for secondhand testimony that is typically inadmissible in court?

The term for secondhand testimony that is typically inadmissible in court is hearsay. Hearsay refers to an out-of-court statement made by someone who is not present in court to testify about it, which is offered for the truth of the matter asserted. Because hearsay lacks the opportunity for cross-examination and cannot be evaluated for its reliability, it is generally excluded from legal proceedings. This promotes the integrity of evidence presented in court by ensuring that only firsthand testimony, which can be scrutinized, is allowed.

Direct evidence, on the other hand, directly supports an assertion and does not rely on any inference or presumption, making it admissible in court. An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, used as evidence in court, which is not secondhand testimony. A subpoena is a legal document ordering someone to attend a court proceeding or produce evidence, but it does not pertain to the concept of hearsay or the admissibility of secondhand testimony.