The rule against admitting hearsay and the hearsay exceptions have been evolving for hundreds of years, but the area is one of continuing controversy. In a 2014 7th Circuit concurring opinion, Judge Richard Posner suggested "the 'hearsay rule' is too complex, as well as being archaic." He proposed expanding the residual exception to have it "swallow much of 801 through 806 [exceptions] . . .” This program will focus on the hearsay rule and its exceptions. Following the showing of Judge Posner's recorded comments, the other panelists will address whether we still have a rule against admitting hearsay and whether it and the numerous exceptions should be dramatically changed.
Business meeting at program conclusion.