General terms:
* Hearsay: This is the most common and general term. Hearsay is any statement made outside of court that is offered as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted. It is generally inadmissible in court because it is considered unreliable.
* Secondhand information: This is a general term that simply describes information that has been obtained from someone other than the original source.
* Indirect evidence: This term is used when the evidence does not directly prove a fact but instead points to it.
More specific terms:
* Rumor: This is a statement that is passed around from person to person, often without any real basis in fact.
* Gossip: This is a type of rumor that focuses on the personal lives of others.
* Anecdotal evidence: This is evidence that is based on personal experience or observation, rather than scientific data.
Legal terms:
* Hearsay exception: There are some exceptions to the hearsay rule, such as statements made under the belief of imminent death or statements made by a child victim of abuse.
The specific term that is most appropriate will depend on the specific situation.