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Simple English definitions for legal terms
admission against interest
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A quick definition of admission against interest:
An admission against interest is when someone says something that goes against their own best interests, like admitting to doing something wrong or harmful. This kind of statement can be used as evidence in court, even if the person who said it is available to testify, because it is considered reliable and trustworthy. It is allowed under certain rules that make exceptions to the usual rule that hearsay (secondhand information) is not allowed in court.
A more thorough explanation:
An admission against interest is a statement made by a party that goes against their own financial, property, or legal interest. This statement can be used as evidence in court, even if the person who made the statement is available to testify. This is because an admission by a party-opponent is considered non-hearsay and is admissible under both an exclusion and an exception to the rule against hearsay.
- A person is accused of stealing a car. During questioning by the police, the person admits to taking the car. This statement is an admission against interest because it goes against the person's legal interest and can be used as evidence in court.
- A company is being sued for breach of contract. In a meeting with the other party, a representative of the company admits that they did not fulfill their obligations under the contract. This statement is an admission against interest because it goes against the company's financial interest and can be used as evidence in court.
These examples illustrate how an admission against interest can be used as evidence in court. In both cases, the statements made by the parties go against their own interests and can be used to prove the accusations against them.