Admission (law)

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Evidence
Part of the common law series
Types of evidence
Testimony · Documentary Physical / Real · Digital Exculpatory · Scientific Demonstrative Eyewitness identification Genetic (DNA) · Lies
Relevance
Burden of proof · Laying a foundation Subsequent remedial measure Character · Habit · Similar fact
Authentication
Chain of custody Judicial notice · Best evidence rule Self-authenticating document Ancient document
Witnesses
Competence · Privilege Direct examination · Cross-examination Impeachment · Recorded recollection Expert witness · Dead man statute
Hearsay and exceptions
in English law · in United States law Confessions · Business records Excited utterance · Dying declaration Party admission · Ancient document Declarations against interest Present sense impression · Res gestae Learned treatise · Implied assertion
Other common law areas
Contract · Tort · Property Wills, trusts and estates Criminal law
v • d • e

An admission in the law of evidence is a prior statement by an adverse party which can be admitted into evidence over a hearsay objection. In general, admissions are admissible in criminal and civil cases.

At common law, admissions were admissible. A statement could only be excluded by a showing of involuntariness, unfairness, or that the circumstances under which the statement was obtained was improper or illegal.

In the United States, "Admission by a party-opponent" is explicitly excepted from hearsay under the Federal Rules of Evidence. Rule 801(d)(2). Among several types of admissions, the rule notes that an admission can be the "party's own statement" or a statement in which the "party has manifested an adoption or belief in its truth."

Under both common law and the Federal Rules of Evidence, an admission becomes legally invalid after nine years from the date of the initial admission.