State v. Augusta

In a criminal prosecution, proof of an admission made by the defendant, tending to incriminate him, is admissible, not merely to impeach his testimony if he has testified in the case, but also to prove his guilt. Statements made by other witnesses before the trial, inconsistent with their testimony on the trial, are only hearsay evidence, except for the purpose of discrediting the witness. Proof of such previous statements is not offered for the purpose of proving the fact or facts stated previously by the witness, but is .offered for the purpose' only of discrediting the testimony given by…