As business professionals, it is important to understand the legal implications of concepts in the workplace. One such concept that is often discussed is that of “excited utterance.” In a legal context, an excited utterance is a statement made under the influence of a startling event. The statement made during this event could be admissible in court as evidence.
Excited utterances are relevant in a criminal trial, as the statement made directly after the event may be considered reliable due to the emotionally charged nature of the statement and the immediacy of the response. It is important to note here that the statement made must be related to the event that initially sparked the reaction for it to be considered an excited utterance. For example, a statement made about pre-existing plans unrelated to the startling event would not be considered an excited utterance.
In a workplace setting, excited utterances can also be relevant. For instance, an employee who is subject to an act of discrimination or other form of harassment in the workplace is unlikely to remain calm and composed directly after the incident. If the employee makes any statement connected to the incident in an emotionally charged manner, that statement may be considered an excited utterance and may be used to support a legal claim.
Conclusion
Understanding the legal implications of an excited utterance is essential for business professionals in order to ensure that they are prepared for any workplace discussions, conflicts, or situations. As an excited utterance is a statement made in the heat of the moment, it can often be a strong form of evidence should a legal dispute arise. In any situation, it is important to think before speaking and to ensure that any statement that could be considered an excited utterance is in line with the facts of the case.