Opinion ID: 1256271
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Is the statement more probative on the issue than any other evidence which the proponent can procure through reasonable efforts?

Text: The fifth inquiry is reached only if each of the preceding four have been answered in the affirmative. A hearsay statement is admissible under Rule 803(24) only if it is more probative on the point for which it is offered than any other evidence which the proponent can procure through reasonable efforts. This requirement of necessity has been inherent in the analysis of hearsay exceptions long before even the Federal Rules of Evidence were codified. See V Wigmore on Evidence § 1421 (Chadbourn Rev. 1974). The requirement imposes the obligation of a dual inquiry: were the proponent's efforts to procure more probative evidence diligent, and is the statement more probative on the point than other evidence that the proponent could reasonably procure? 4 D. Louisell & C. Mueller, Federal Evidence § 472 (1980). Where a declarant is available at trial, the degree of necessity to admit his or her hearsay statement through the testimony of another is greatly diminished. Usually, but not always, the live testimony of the declarant will be the more (if not the most) probative evidence on the point for which it is offered. [8] Because Rule 803(24) allows hearsay evidence to be admitted even though the declarant is available as a witness, the trial judge must, in this event, take care in documenting for the record his basis for finding that this necessity requirement is met. The record must reflect findings of fact and conclusions of law supporting the trial judge's determination as to this fifth inquiry. Should the trial court determine that the proffered evidence is not more probative on the point for which it is offered than any other evidence which the proponent can procure through reasonable efforts, his inquiry must end, and the evidence may not be admitted under Rule 803(24). If, however, the trial judge determines that the necessity test is satisfied, he must move to the sixth inquiry.