A statement by a person authorized by the party to make a statement concerning the subject is admissible as which category?

A statement by a person authorized by the party to make a statement concerning the subject is admissible as which category?

• A. 801(D)(2)(d)
• B. 801(D)(2)(b)
• C. 801(D)(2)(a)
• D. 801(D)(2)(c)

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that a party can be bound by statements made by someone whom the party has authorized to speak on the subject. When a designated spokesperson or agent speaks within the scope of that authority, their statements about the matter are treated as the party’s own admissions. Because the party controls or has entrusted the person to speak for it, those statements are not considered hearsay; they are admissions by the party opponent. So, a statement by someone the party has authorized to discuss the topic falls under this category and is admissible as an admission against the party. For example, if a company’s authorized spokesperson says something about a contract, that statement can be used against the company. Other types of admissions exist (direct statements by the party themselves, or statements by co-conspirators in furtherance of a conspiracy, etc.), but the scenario described—an authorized person speaking on the subject—fits this specific admissible category.

The key idea is that a party can be bound by statements made by someone whom the party has authorized to speak on the subject. When a designated spokesperson or agent speaks within the scope of that authority, their statements about the matter are treated as the party’s own admissions. Because the party controls or has entrusted the person to speak for it, those statements are not considered hearsay; they are admissions by the party opponent.

So, a statement by someone the party has authorized to discuss the topic falls under this category and is admissible as an admission against the party. For example, if a company’s authorized spokesperson says something about a contract, that statement can be used against the company.

Other types of admissions exist (direct statements by the party themselves, or statements by co-conspirators in furtherance of a conspiracy, etc.), but the scenario described—an authorized person speaking on the subject—fits this specific admissible category.