This Practice Note provides guidance on the interpretation and application of the relevant provisions of the CPR. Depending on the court in which your matter is proceeding, you may also need to take account of court specific guidance—see: Court specific guidance.
This Practice Note explains hearsay evidence under CPR 33 and the Civil Evidence Act 1995 (CEA 1995), including what it means, its use and Rules relating to specific types of documents, and those documents exempt from the hearsay rule. It looks at the notice procedure required if you are planning to use hearsay evidence, and what to do if served with a hearsay notice under rule 33.2 of the CPR. The court’s approach to hearsay evidence, including the weight to be given to hearsay evidence, are also explored, together with the extent to which Cross-examination of hearsay evidence is allowed under rule 33.4.
Hearsay is ‘a statement made otherwise than by a person while giving oral evidence in proceedings which is tendered as evidence