Rule 801: Definitions.

The following definitions apply under this article:

(a) Statement - A "statement" is (1) an oral or written assertion or (2) nonverbal conduct of a person if it is intended by the person as an assertion.

(b) Declarant - A "declarant" is a person who makes a statement.

(c) Hearsay -  "Hearsay" is 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.

Advisory Commission Comments.

This rule, generally defining hearsay, is the first of a series covering hearsay evidence. The next provision, Rule 802, states the general rule that hearsay evidence is inadmissible unless otherwise provided by law. Rules 803 and 804 describe hearsay exceptions. Rule 805 deals with multiple hearsay, and Rule 806 provides a general rule for impeaching hearsay declarants.

Except for the definition of conduct as hearsay, Rule 801 restates Tennessee common law. Part (a) makes hearsay only such nonverbal conduct as the declarant actor intends as an assertion. The common law, stemming from Wright v. Tatham, 112 Eng. Rep. 488 (Exch. Ch. 1837), included in the hearsay definition assertions that might be inferred from the conduct but that were unintended by the actor. Consequently, Tennessee has defined flight from a crime scene as hearsay, although the courts admit the evidence through the exception for party admissions. Under the proposed rule, the evidence would be admissible as nonhearsay, the declarant obviously not intending to assert guilt by flight.