There are lots of exceptions for written records contained in 803(5) through 803(23). The two most important are 803(6), business records, and 803(8) public records. They are not mutually exclusive. A police report prepared by an officer in the course of his job might be admissible as either a business record or a public record, if you can lay the foundation. indeed, if you are suing the police for violating your client's civil rights, the report may also be the admission of the opposing party.
Start with problem 14-37, on page 645.
The prosecutor objects to the defendant's offer into evidence of a prostitute's extortion diary in which she kept detailed records of her demands and payments, on the grounds that it is hearsay. The defendant responds that it is a business record.
The first two replies by the prosecutor are related. He argues that this diary cannot be a business record because prostitution and extortion are illegal, so that this is not a legitimate business within the meaning of Rule 803(6). How should the defense attorney respond? When you have decided, click here.