Rule 803(3) addresses which type of statements?

• A. Public records
• B. Then-existing mental, emotional, or physical condition
• C. Absence of a business record
• D. Statements for the purpose of medical treatment or diagnosis

Answer: (B)

Rule 803(3) covers statements about a person’s then-existing mental state, emotion, or physical condition. The idea is to admit what someone was thinking, feeling, or experiencing at that moment—things like intent, plan, motive, fear, pain, or other states of mind. These statements are allowed because they illuminate the declarant’s mindset at the time, which can be crucial to understanding why they acted as they did. For example, a statement like “I am afraid to testify” or “I intend to file a lawsuit” helps show the declarant’s state of mind at the time, not some later fact.

Other options point to different hearsay rules: public records are covered by a separate exception, absence of a record is another distinct rule, and statements for medical treatment or diagnosis fall under a different provision as well.