In the
law of the United States of America, an
objection is a formal protest raised in
court during a
trial to disallow a
witness's
testimony or other
evidence which would be in violation of the
rules of evidence or other procedural law. An objection is typically raised after the opposing party asks a question of the witness, but before the witness can answer, or when the opposing party is about to enter something into evidence. The
judge then makes a ruling on whether the objection is "
sustained" (the judge agrees with the objection and disallows the question, testimony, or evidence) or "
overruled" (the judge disagrees with the objection and allows the question, testimony, or evidence). An attorney may choose to "rephrase" a question that has been objected to, so long as the judge permits it. Lawyers should make an objection before there is an answer to the question.