In a courtroom setting, “sustained” refers to a judge’s ruling in favor of an attorney’s objection. When an attorney objects to a question posed by opposing counsel, or to evidence presented, the judge may either “sustain” or “overrule” the objection. If the judge sustains the objection, it means the judge agrees with the basis of the objection, and the question or evidence is deemed inadmissible. For example, if an attorney objects to a question on the grounds of hearsay, and the judge sustains the objection, the witness is not permitted to answer the question, and the jury is instructed to disregard it.
The act of upholding an objection is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the legal process. It ensures that evidence presented is relevant, reliable, and obtained legally. It safeguards against the introduction of prejudicial or misleading information that could unduly influence the jury’s decision. Historically, rulings on objections have shaped the admissibility of evidence and the course of trials, establishing precedents that guide future courtroom proceedings.
