Ex Parte Snell

We granted Snell's petition for writ of certiorari in order to clarify an Alabama rule regarding hearsay; specifically, whether Alabama follows the common law; Federal Rule of Evidence 801; the Model Code of Evidence Rule 503(b); or Uniform Rule of Evidence 63(1). The facts pertinent to the issue before us are succinctly set out in the opinion of the Court of Criminal Appeals as follows:

"The appellant contends that the trial court committed reversible error by allowing impermissible hearsay testimony into evidence.

"On direct examination by the State, Detective David Kirkland testified that he…