How is a present sense impression defined in legal terms?

A present sense impression is defined as a statement made while perceiving an event or shortly thereafter. This legal concept is a part of the hearsay exceptions under the rules of evidence. It allows for the admissibility of statements that describe or explain an event or condition, provided that the statement is made contemporaneously with the event itself or very shortly after the event has occurred. The rationale behind this rule is that statements made in real-time are more likely to be reliable since they are made when the event is fresh in the declarant's mind, minimizing the possibility of error or fabrication that might occur if the statements were made at a later time.

This option reflects the essential elements of the present sense impression: the timing of the statement in relation to the event and its nature as a direct observation or description, which enhances its credibility as an exception to the hearsay rule. Thus, the accuracy and immediacy of such statements bolster their admissibility in court.