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Fed. R. Evid. 802

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Rule 802 The Rule Against Hearsay

HEARSAY

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Rule Text

Hearsay is not admissible unless any of the following provides otherwise:

• a federal statute;

• these rules; or

• other rules prescribed by the Supreme Court.

Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)

Hearsay is generally not allowed in federal court. Hearsay means someone repeating in court what another person said outside of court, usually to prove that what was said is true.

There are exceptions, though. A federal law, the Federal Rules of Evidence, or rules from the Supreme Court can all allow hearsay in certain situations. Those exceptions are covered in other rules, so hearsay is not automatically thrown out just because it is hearsay.

Summary generated March 09, 2026

Committee Notes

Notes of Advisory Committee on Proposed Rules

The provision excepting from the operation of the rule hearsay which is made admissible by other rules adopted by the Supreme Court or by Act of Congress continues the admissibility thereunder of hearsay which would not qualify under these Evidence Rules. The following examples illustrate the working of the exception:

Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Rule 4(g) [now 4(l)]: proof of service by affidavit.

Rule 32: admissibility of depositions.

Rule 43(e)[now 43(c)]: affidavits when motion based on facts not appearing of record.

Rule 56: affidavits in summary judgment proceedings.

Rule 65(b): showing by affidavit for temporary restraining order.

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure

Rule 4(a): affidavits to show grounds for issuing warrants.

Rule 12(b)(4) [former]: affidavits to determine issues of fact in connection with motions.

Acts of Congress

10 U.S.C. § 7730 [now 8900]: affidavits of unavailable witnesses in actions for damages caused by vessel in naval service, or towage or salvage of same, when taking of testimony or bringing of action delayed or stayed on security grounds.

29 U.S.C. § 161(4): affidavit as proof of service in NLRB proceedings.

38 U.S.C. § 5206 [now 8506]: affidavit as proof of posting notice of sale of unclaimed property by Veterans Administration.

Committee Notes on Rules—2011 Amendment

The language of Rule 802 has been amended as part of the restyling of the Evidence Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are intended to be stylistic only. There is no intent to change any result in any ruling on evidence admissibility.