Which statement is true regarding hearsay evidence?

Hearsay evidence refers to a statement made outside of the court that is offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in that statement. This type of evidence is considered problematic because it involves second-hand knowledge, meaning the person presenting the hearsay did not directly witness the event in question. Instead, they are reporting what someone else said, which raises concerns about reliability and the ability to cross-examine the original source of the statement.

The distinction in hearsay comes from its nature as second-hand information, which is why the statement regarding it being based on second-hand knowledge is accurate. Courts often have rules that limit or exclude hearsay from being admissible due to these concerns, making the understanding of hearsay essential for anyone involved in legal proceedings, such as correctional officers, who may testify in court.