What type of evidence comes from someone who does not have direct knowledge or experience of the events?

Hearsay is classified as evidence that originates from a person who conveys what someone else has stated, rather than providing firsthand knowledge or experience related to the events in question. This type of evidence is often considered unreliable in legal contexts because the individual providing the information did not witness the events themselves and therefore cannot provide direct or credible testimony regarding their authenticity or accuracy.

Understanding hearsay is essential, particularly in legal or investigative settings, because it highlights the differences between firsthand accounts, which can be more closely scrutinized and validated, and secondhand accounts, which can lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies. This distinction is significant when evaluating the strength and admissibility of different types of evidence in various contexts.