objection

Objection is a formal or informal expression of disapproval or disagreement toward a proposal, statement, or action. In everyday use, to object is to oppose something; in formal settings, objections are often governed by rules that determine whether the objection is valid and what consequences follow. The term derives from the Latin obiectio, meaning a throwing against or protest.

In legal contexts, an objection is a standard tool used by counsel during trials and other proceedings. An attorney may object to questions, testimony, or exhibits on grounds such as irrelevance, hearsay, improper foundation, leading questions on direct examination, speculation, or inadmissibility of evidence. The judge then rules on the objection, either sustaining it (agreeing and disallowing the item) or overruling it (allowing the item to proceed). If sustained, the question may be rephrased or the evidence excluded; if overruled, the questioning continues or the evidence is admitted. Some jurisdictions allow continuing objections, though not all issues persist beyond a ruling. Objections help enforce procedural fairness and the reliability of evidence.

Beyond the courtroom, objection appears in logic, philosophy, and debate as a challenge to a claim, argument, or theory. An objection identifies assumptions, weaknesses, or potential counterexamples, inviting clarification, rebuttal, or modification of the original position. Addressing objections is central to constructing robust arguments and evaluating theories, and it can influence the refinement of ideas or the adoption of alternative proposals.

Objection, as a noun, also denotes the act itself or the instance of contest, while the verb form is to object. The concept plays a key role in ensuring accountability, rigor, and fairness across disciplines.