Hearsay within hearsay is not excluded by the rule against hearsay if each part of the combined statements conforms with an exception. Which rule governs this concept?

• A. Rule 804. (b)(4)
• B. Rule 805
• C. Rule 901. (a)
• D. Rule 806

Answer: (B)

The concept tested is how multiple layers of hearsay are treated. Rule 805 specifically says that the rule against hearsay does not exclude a combined statement containing hearsay if each part of that combined statement conforms with an exception. In other words, you assess each layer separately, and if every layer fits a recognized exception, the whole statement can come in. This is why it governs the idea of hearsay within hearsay.

Other rules cover different issues: for example, Rule 804 deals with exceptions when a declarant is unavailable; Rule 901 concerns authentication of evidence; Rule 806 addresses impeachment or credibility related to a hearsay declarant. None of those address the multi-layer structure of hearsay the way Rule 805 does.