Excited Utterance

What is Excited Utterance?

An out-of court statement made by a person in response to a startling or shocking event or condition, is admissible as an exception to the hearsay rule. It is an unplanned reaction to a "startling event" and therefore has indicia of reliability.

Further Reading

For more detailed information, see our related Evidence terms:

• Then Existing Mental, Emotional, or Physical Condition
• Residual Exception
• Statement Against Interest
• Admission of Party Opponent
• Statements for Purpose of Medical Diagnosis or Treatment