Objection Law & Legal Definition
Objection in a broad sense refers to an opposition to something. An objection is also a legal procedure protesting an inappropriate question asked of a witness by the opposing attorney, intended to make the trial judge decide if the question can be asked. An objection must have a proper basis, based on one of the specific reasons for not allowing a question. A basis for an objection may include: irrelevant, immaterial, incompetent, hearsay, leading, calls for a conclusion, compound question, or lack of foundation. Failing to make a proper objection may be the basis for losing a right to appeal later.
The judge will either "sustain" the objection (ruling out the question) or "overrule" it (allow the question). The judge may ask for an "offer of proof" in which the lawyer asking the question must explain to the court the reason the question is relevant, and what evidence his/her questions will bring out.
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