res gestae
plural noun
res ges·tae
ˈrās-ˈge-ˌstī 
ˈrēz-ˈje-(ˌ)stē
ˈrēz-ˈje-(ˌ)stē
: things done
especially
: the facts that form the environment of a litigated issue and are admissible in evidence
Examples of res gestae in a Sentence
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For example, facts like Uber's use of ephemeral messaging may be used to explain gaps in Waymo's proof that Uber misappropriated trade secrets or to supply proof that is part of the res gestae of the case (like the due diligence report).
—
Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2018
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Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Res gestae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/res%20gestae. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
res gestae
noun plural
res ges·tae
ˈrās-ˈges-ˌtī, ˈrēz-ˈjes-ˌtē
1
: the acts, facts, circumstances, statements, or occurrences that form the environment of a main act or event and especially of a crime and are so closely connected to it that they constitute part of a continuous transaction and can serve to illustrate its character
the decedent's statement…was too far removed in time and place to be admissible as part of the res gestae—Lynch v. State, 552 N.E.2d 56 (1990)
Lynch v. State, 552 N.E.2d 56 (1990)2
a
: an exception or set of exceptions to the hearsay rule that permits the admission of hearsay evidence regarding excited utterances or declarations relating to mental, emotional, or bodily states or sense impressions of a witness or participant compare dying declaration and spontaneous declaration at declaration sense 2c, excited utterance
Note: Res gestae in common law encompassed a variety of different exceptions to the hearsay rule, but most modern rules of evidence (as the Federal Rules of Evidence) have abandoned use of res gestae and specify the different exceptions on their own terms.
b
: an exception to the exclusionary rule against the use of other crimes as evidence that permits such use when another crime is closely enough connected to the one in dispute as to form part of a continuous episode or transaction
Etymology
Latin, things done, deeds
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