Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What does the business records exception to the hearsay rule allow?

1. The admission of personal diaries in court

2. The admittance of reliable business documents as evidence

3. The submission of witness statements in place of evidence

4. The use of hearsay evidence in criminal trials

The correct answer is: The admittance of reliable business documents as evidence

The business records exception to the hearsay rule allows the admittance of reliable business documents as evidence in court. This exception is based on the rationale that records generated in the regular course of business are typically trustworthy. The documents must meet specific criteria, including being made at or near the time of the event described, created by someone with knowledge of the event, and kept as part of the business's regular practice. In this context, reliable business documents, such as invoices, accounting records, and transaction logs, are deemed admissible because they are typically maintained for the accurate tracking of business activities. It is believed that businesses have a strong incentive to maintain accurate records, which enhances their reliability as evidence. This exception helps facilitate the introduction of relevant information without the need for live testimony, thus streamlining judicial proceedings. The other options do not accurately represent the scope of the business records exception. Personal diaries are not generally considered business records, witness statements do not qualify as documents and their admissibility is governed by different rules, and hearsay evidence in criminal trials is subject to more stringent limitations due to concerns about the reliability of such testimony.