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.]