Hearsay proof – this is the name of any proof that is offered by a witness of which they do not have direct knowledge but, rather, their testimony is based on what others have said to them. Hearsay evidence is also referred to as “second-hand evidence” or as “rumor.” For example, you are able to tell a court what you heard, to repeat the rumor, and testify that, in fact, the story you heard was told to you, but under the hearsay rule, your testimony is weak evidence of the actual facts of the story, because only that you heard those words spoken.