What is the test for admitting a hearsay statement in a criminal case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Firman, D064110 (Cal. App. 2014):

As already discussed, the determination of whether the admission of a hearsay statement in a criminal case violates a defendant's rights under the confrontation clause "turns on whether the statement is testimonial." (People v. Garcia, supra, 168 Cal.App.4th at p. 291.) If the statement is not testimonial, it does not implicate the defendant's Sixth Amendment rights and "the issue is simply whether the statement is admissible under state law as an exception to the hearsay rule." (Ibid.) To be testimonial, an out-of-court statement must satisfy two requirements: (1) "the statement must be made with some degree of formality or solemnity," and (2) the "primary purpose" of the statement must "pertain[] in some fashion to a criminal prosecution." (Dungo, supra, 55 Cal.4th at p. 619.)

Other Questions


What is the test for admitting hearsay statements by a child as evidence in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting evidence of hearsay in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting hearsay evidence in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting hearsay in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting evidence of hearsay in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
Can a criminal defendant refuse to stipulate or admit his way out of the full evidentiary force of the criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting or denying false statements by a defendant in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
Is there any case law where a defendant admitted to admitting that he was a member of a criminal gang? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting a statement made by the police as evidence in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for admitting hearsay in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.