Hearsay is a legal term that refers to information or statements made outside of court that are presented as evidence. It typically involves someone reporting what another person said, rather than providing direct evidence. Hearsay is generally not admissible in court because it cannot be verified and may not be reliable. In legal proceedings, hearsay can undermine the fairness of a trial. For example, if a witness claims that John told them about a crime, that statement is considered hearsay. Courts prefer direct evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or physical evidence, to ensure accurate and trustworthy information is presented.