Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What type of evidence is generally not admissible in court?

1. Expert testimony based on knowledge

2. Direct evidence witnessed in court

3. Hearsay, or secondhand information

4. Circumstantial evidence corroborated by facts

The correct answer is: Hearsay, or secondhand information

Hearsay, or secondhand information, is not admissible in court primarily because it lacks the reliability and credibility that firsthand evidence provides. Hearsay refers to statements made outside of the court that are presented to assert the truth of the matter stated, but the person who made those statements cannot be cross-examined in court. This inability to evaluate the original source of the information raises significant doubts about its accuracy, leading the court to generally exclude it. By contrast, other forms of evidence listed, such as expert testimony based on knowledge, direct evidence witnessed in court, and corroborated circumstantial evidence, can be cross-examined or verified for accuracy and reliability, making them admissible in court proceedings. These types of evidence hold more weight in the eyes of the law because they allow the judicial process to assess credibility and fact through direct observation or expertise. This foundational principle helps to ensure the integrity of the judicial process by prioritizing accurate and reliable evidence.