What inherently makes hearsay generally inadmissible in court?

The reason hearsay is generally inadmissible in court is that it lacks firsthand knowledge. Hearsay refers to an out-of-court statement made by a person who is not present in the courtroom to testify about the matter at hand. Since the witness cannot provide direct information about the occurrence, the reliability of such statements is questionable. The legal system prioritizes firsthand evidence, where witnesses can attest to what they directly observed, ensuring that the information presented is more credible and subject to scrutiny through cross-examination.

In essence, the inability to verify or challenge the source of the information makes hearsay less trustworthy, which is a foundational principle in ensuring fair and reliable judicial proceedings. This focus on firsthand knowledge reinforces the integrity of evidence in court, making it essential for witnesses to share their personal experiences and observations directly relevant to the case.