What is a characteristic feature of hearsay evidence?

A characteristic feature of hearsay evidence is that it can be introduced without a witness. Hearsay refers to statements made outside of the court that are presented as evidence in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted, rather than as a direct observation by a witness. This characteristic makes hearsay different from other types of evidence, which typically require the personal testimony of a witness who observed the event or fact in question.

In contrast, other options emphasize requirements or characteristics that are not applicable to hearsay. For example, requiring personal observation implies the necessity of a witness to validate the statement, which directly contradicts the nature of hearsay. Similarly, expert analysis and documented proof refer to forms of evidence that rely on expert testimony or formal documentation rather than the hearsay rule, which allows statements without the direct input of a witnessing party.