What is defined as a 'previous representation' under the hearsay rule in the EAC?

A 'previous representation' under the hearsay rule in the Evidence Act (EAC) refers specifically to a representation that was made prior to the current proceedings. This definition is crucial because the hearsay rule is based on the principle that a statement made outside of court is generally inadmissible as evidence to prove the truth of its contents.

The requirement for a representation to be classified as 'previous' emphasizes that the statement or representation must have been created before the current legal proceedings began, thus highlighting the potential unreliability of such statements. It is important to keep in mind that the hearsay rule serves to ensure that evidence brought to court is subject to cross-examination, allowing for a better assessment of its credibility.

The other options do not accurately reflect this definition. A representation made in the current proceedings cannot be considered previous, as it occurs simultaneously with the trial. Representations made by an expert may carry specific admissibility conditions but do not inherently relate to being classified as 'previous'. Similarly, a representation made publicly does not automatically qualify as a 'previous representation' under the hearsay rule; the timing of when it was made is what establishes its status within the context of the law.