What type of evidence is characterized as hearsay?

Hearsay evidence is defined as an out-of-court statement made by someone other than the person testifying, which is offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. This means that it involves second-hand information, where the witness has not directly experienced or observed the events in question but instead relays what they heard from another party. This characteristic makes it difficult to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information since the original source is not present in court to provide direct testimony.

In contrast, direct testimony involves a witness sharing their firsthand experience or observation, while physical evidence consists of tangible items that can be shown to the court. Recorded confessions are considered admissible evidence because they involve direct statements made by an individual about their own actions or thoughts, rather than relying on what someone else has said. This distinction is crucial in legal proceedings, as hearsay can create challenges regarding the integrity and credibility of the evidence presented.