carlfense
Heisman Trophy Winner
Sorry, you're both incorrect. It's NOT hearsay because hearsay is an out of court statement offered for the truth of the matter asserted (not to "prove the assertion made.") This isn't offered for the truth of the matter asserted. You're close BOJ, but you reach the wrong conclusion.Slander or libel evidence is predominately hearsay (unless of course actually made in court), the definition of hearsay is an out of court statement used to prove the assertion made (here it would be X said this statement out of court and I am asserting it to prove X slandered me). There are around 40 admissible exceptions to hearsay (just a couple that could get the hearsay admissible are statements made by a party opponent Federal Rules of Evidence 801(d)(2) (very much in play here) and possibly reputation of character Rule 803(21); I am sure I could come up with some more arguments for admitting it, but those are off the top of the ole' noggin), to say it would not hold any weight in court leads me to believe you are not an attorney. Hearsay is admissible in court all the time. Stop watching Law & Order for legal arguments. Just jabbing at you, but you do actually need to look into that. Most suits involving slander or libel come about b/c the plaintiff becomes aware of the statement from a third party, that does not negate the cause of action nor does it remove the possibility of bringing the evidence in trial.That would be slander through hearsay, doesn't hold any weight in court.
On an edit: the only reason why he would be suing SI instead of the people that made the statement is b/c the individual(s) who did make the statement are judgment proof where as SI has deep pockets. He will lose the lawsuit if it went to trial b/c the journalist is not liable for printing the story (assuming he actually had a legitimate source that gave him the information and did not fabricate the story), however SI may settle just to get rid of the mess (most likely the suit would be dismissed). If the individual that made the statement actually had any money, he would be getting sued. And if SI did lose the suit for some insane reason they would sue the individual that gave them the story on some other cause of action; however, as I said the only reason that person is not brought up is b/c they can't make rent let alone be expected to pay anyone for a judgment.
The exceptions (which wouldn't apply here anyways) don't matter because the article is not hearsay.
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