Which category corresponds to a statement by a person authorized by the declarant to speak on the subject?

• A. 801(D)(2)(a)
• B. 801(D)(1)(a)
• C. 801(D)(2)(c)
• D. 801(D)(2)(e)

Answer: (C)

When a statement is offered against a party, it can be admitted as not hearsay if it comes from someone who is authorized by the declarant to speak on the subject. This category recognizes that the declarant has entrusted the speaker with authority to address that topic, so the speaker’s words are treated as if the declarant themselves spoke on that matter.

In practice, this means the declarant relies on the speaker’s authority to convey statements about a specific subject, and those statements are admissible against the declarant because the intent and scope of the authorization link the content directly to the declarant. Think of a company authorizing a spokesperson to discuss a product; the spokesperson’s statements about the product can be used against the company as nonhearsay because the authorization makes the content attributable to the declarant.

This is distinct from other nonhearsay categories that involve the declarant’s own words or statements by an agent in a broader relationship; the key factor here is explicit authorization to speak on the subject.