state of mind exception

state-of-mind exception. Evidence. The principle that an out-of-court declaration of an existing motive is admissible, even when the declarant cannot testify in person. • This principle constitutes an exception to the general rule that hearsay is inadmissible. [Cases: Criminal Law 419(2.20); Evidence 268. C.J.S. Criminal Law § 862; Evidence §§ 314–318, 325, 327–328, 330.]

---

词条贡献者

译者Scott，毕业于一所旨在培养高级翻译专业人才的翻译院校，擅长翻译各种与环境诉讼相关的法律文件。