Res gestae– This term comes from Latin and literally it means “things done”.In terms of Criminal Law it refers to a peculiar rule, used mostly in criminal cases, which allows hearsay if the statement or declaration is made during the excitement of the litigated event. Some jurisdictions even allow res gestae statements to be used as evidence in special kinds of prosecutions. Res gestae evidence usually requires a voir dire hearing before it is acceptable unless the defense allows it to be put on the trial record unchallenged.