res gestae

plural noun

res ges·​tae ˈrās-ˈge-ˌstī  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

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Legal 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)

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