Explain the concept of “hearsay” evidence.

Hearsay evidence refers specifically to a statement that was made outside of the court proceedings and is being offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in that statement. This is crucial because hearsay is generally not admissible in court due to concerns over reliability, as the original speaker is not present for cross-examination, making it difficult to assess the truthfulness and accuracy of the statement.

When a statement is made in court by a witness about something they have not personally experienced or witnessed, it potentially does not meet the standards of admissible evidence. The legal framework surrounding hearsay includes numerous exceptions and rules aimed at ensuring that only reliable and relevant information is put before a judge or jury for consideration.

In the context of the other options, evidence recalled by a witness based on their direct experience, the use of written documents from previous cases, or testimony from individuals not directly involved typically do not fall under the hearsay definition. The latter two options, for instance, could involve best evidence rules or might address statements from witnesses in different contexts. Thus, option B distinctly captures the essence of hearsay by focusing on statements made outside of the current proceedings and their intended use in court.