Legal: Evidence: Hearsay & Authentication
The Interpreter Academy USA
Advancing the Evolution of Professional Interpretation
Part I: Master Resource Index (Evidence Law)
EVIDENCE & ADMISSIBILITY TERMINOLOGY
| English Source | Spanish Equivalent | Academy Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Hearsay | Prueba de oídas / Testimonio de terceros | An out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. |
| Hearsay Exception | Excepción a la regla de oídas | Circumstances under which hearsay is admissible (e.g., Excited Utterance). |
| Authentication | Autenticación / Acreditación | The process of proving that an item of evidence is what the proponent claims it to be. |
| Lay a foundation | Sentar las bases / Establecer los fundamentos | Preliminary evidence required before a document or object can be admitted. |
| Probative vs. Prejudicial | Probatorio vs. Perjudicial | The court balances the value of evidence (probative) against its potential to bias the jury (prejudicial). |
Part II: Legal Bar Exam Practice Test
The Fact Pattern
"The prosecution attempted to introduce a written statement into evidence. The defense counsel objected, arguing that the statement constitutes inadmissible hearsay and does not fall under any recognized hearsay exception. Furthermore, the defense challenged the authentication of the document, stating that the witness failed to lay a proper foundation for its admission. The judge must now decide if the evidence is probative or if its prejudicial effect outweighs its value."
1. In a legal context, how is 'Hearsay' interpreted for the record?
A) Rumores de pasillo
B) Prueba de oídas / Testimonio de terceros
C) Declaración jurada
D) Evidencia física
2. What does it mean when an attorney is asked to 'Lay a foundation'?
A) Construir los cimientos de un edificio
B) Sentar las bases legales (establecer los fundamentos para la admisión de pruebas)
C) Juramentar al testigo
D) Presentar un alegato inicial
3. If the judge rules evidence is 'Probative,' how should this be interpreted?
A) Que está en período de prueba.
B) Que tiene valor probatorio (sirve para probar un hecho).
C) Que es perjudicial para el caso.
D) Que la prueba es falsa.
Academy Answer Key & Analysis
Q1: B. Prueba de oídas. This is the standard legal rendering for out-of-court statements.
Q2: B. Sentar las bases. This refers to the preliminary questions asked to establish the authenticity and relevance of evidence.
Q3: B. Valor probatorio. Probative evidence is evidence that tends to prove a point in the trial.