Rule 802: The Rule Against Hearsay | DE Evidence

Hearsay is not admissible except as provided by law or by these Rules.

Hearsay is generally not allowed as evidence in court. This means that if someone wants to prove a fact, they usually cannot do it by repeating what another person said outside of court.

There are exceptions, though. Other court rules and laws spell out specific situations where hearsay can be used. If a statement fits one of those exceptions, the court may allow it.

Summary generated March 12, 2026

This rule tracks U.R.E. 802 rather than F.R.E. 802 which was deemed to be inapplicable to a state. D.R.E. 802 was amended in 2017 in response to the 2011 restyling of the Federal Rules of Evidence. The amendment is intended to be stylistic only. There is no intent to change any result in ruling on evidence admissibility.

Rule 802 The Rule Against Hearsay