Opinion ID: 1203372
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: the statements offered by appellant are hearsay

Text: The district court noted, and we have found from the record, that the theory of the defense at trial was that the alleged sexual contacts did not occur. In addition, the defendant-appellant did not take the stand in his behalf at trial. Yet, appellant requested the district court to allow testimony regarding statements made during the course of the polygraph examination. These statements, which are set forth in footnote 1, are a series of four questions and four answers which go straight to the theory of the defense, i.e., it never happened. Hearsay is defined as a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. I.R.E. 801(c). The statements were offered by appellant to substantiate his defense that the alleged acts never happened. Under I.R.E. 801(c), this purpose constitutes impermissible hearsay. And, therefore, the statements were properly excluded under I.R.E. 802.