prior consistent statement
noun
prior con·sis·tent statement
-kən-ˈsis-tənt-
: a witness's statement made out of court prior to testifying that is consistent with the witness's testimony compare prior inconsistent statement
Note: A prior consistent statement may be offered as evidence to rebut a charge that a witness's testimony is fabricated, provided that the witness is available to be cross-examined. Under Federal Rule of Evidence 801(d)(1), a prior consistent statement of a witness testifying at trial and subject to cross-examination is not hearsay.
Cite this Entry
“Prior consistent statement.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/prior%20consistent%20statement. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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