Evidence is hearsay when its probative force
depends in whole or in part on the competency and credibility of some persons
other than the witness by whom it is sought to produce. However, while the
testimony of a witness regarding a statement made by another person given for
the purpose of establishing the truth of the fact asserted in the statement is
clearly hearsay evidence, it is otherwise if the purpose of placing the
statement on the record is merely to establish the fact that the statement, or
the tenor of such statement, was made. Regardless of the truth or falsity
of a statement, when what is relevant is the fact that such statement has been
made, the hearsay rule does not apply and the statement may be shown. As a
matter of fact, evidence as to the making of the statement is not secondary but
primary, for the statement itself may constitute a fact in issue or is
circumstantially relevant as to the existence of such a fact. This is known as
the doctrine of independently relevant
statements. (ESPINELI VS. PEOPLE
[2014]).
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