present sense impression

noun

present sense im·​pres·​sion
: an out-of-court statement that describes or explains an event or condition and that was made during or immediately after the time the event or condition was perceived
also : an exception to the hearsay rule allowing such a statement to be entered as evidence that what was asserted in the statement is true

Note: Present sense impressions are excepted from the hearsay rule because the immediacy of the response is considered to render the statement trustworthy. “Why are you driving so fast?” might be considered admissible as a present sense impression.

Dictionary Entries Near present sense impression

presents

present sense impression

preserve

Cite this Entry

“Present sense impression.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/present%20sense%20impression. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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