In court, legal terms can often seem confusing. One such term is “sustained.” If you have ever watched a trial on TV or attended a courtroom, you might have heard the judge say, “Objection sustained.” But what does it really mean?
In simple words, sustained is a decision made by the judge agreeing with an objection raised by a lawyer. Understanding this word helps you follow legal proceedings better and even use it in everyday discussions about law.
What Does Sustained Mean in Court?
In the legal context, sustained means that the judge agrees with a lawyer’s objection.
- Objection: When a lawyer challenges a statement, question, or evidence in court.
- Sustained: Judge says, “Yes, the objection is valid.”
- Overruled: Judge says, “No, the objection is not valid.”
Example:
Lawyer: “Objection, the question is leading.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
This means the question cannot be answered as it is.
Origin & History of the Term
The term “sustained” comes from Old French ‘sustenir’ meaning “to hold up or maintain.”
In legal language, it has been used for hundreds of years to indicate that a court supports or maintains a legal objection.
Fun fact: The same word is used outside the courtroom to mean “supported” or “kept in place,” like “He sustained an injury,” meaning he experienced or endured it.
Real-Life Examples + Short Dialogues
Here are some simple examples to understand how sustained is used in court:
- Example 1 – Evidence Objection
Lawyer: “Objection, the evidence is irrelevant.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
Explanation: The judge agrees the evidence should not be considered. - Example 2 – Leading Question
Lawyer: “Objection, the question is leading.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
Explanation: The question suggests its own answer, so it’s not allowed. - Example 3 – Hearsay
Lawyer: “Objection, this is hearsay.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
Explanation: The judge agrees that statements made outside court cannot be used as proof.
Personality Traits / Usage Context
People who often use or understand the term “sustained” in court usually have a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of rules. They tend to be analytical, patient, and precise in their communication. This term is mostly used in legal settings, especially during trials, when lawyers raise objections. Outside court, it can also be used to show agreement or support in discussions about rules or decisions.
People who frequently understand or use “sustained” often show these traits:
- Detail-oriented: They pay attention to rules and procedures.
- Precise: They value exact language in communication.
- Patient: Court procedures take time, so patience is key.
- Analytical: They can spot problems or mistakes in evidence or questions.
Context Tip:
Even outside courts, you can use it to show agreement with rules or objections in discussions. For example:
- “I think your point about safety is sustained; we should follow the guidelines.”
Sustained vs. Overruled
| Term | Meaning in Court | Example |
| Sustained | Judge agrees with the objection | “Objection sustained.” |
| Overruled | Judge disagrees with objection | “Objection overruled.” |
Common Objections That Can Be Sustained
- Leading question
- Irrelevant evidence
- Hearsay
- Speculation
- Asked and answered
Key Points to Remember
- Sustained = Judge agrees
- Overruled = Judge disagrees
- Helps maintain fair trials
- Frequently used in both criminal and civil courts
Common Mistakes or Misconceptions
- Mistake: Thinking “sustained” means the lawyer won the case.
Correction: It only means the judge agrees with a specific objection, not the entire case. - Mistake: Confusing “sustained” with “overruled.”
Correction: Always remember: Sustained = Agree, Overruled = Disagree. - Mistake: Using “sustained” casually without understanding context.
Correction: In court, it has a very specific meaning related to objections.
Modern & Relatable Examples (2026)
In 2026, “sustained” is still commonly used in both real and virtual courtrooms. You might hear a judge sustain an objection during a live-streamed trial or see it mentioned in online news reports. Even in classroom mock trials, teachers use it to teach proper courtroom procedures. On social media, people often explain legal cases by saying an objection was sustained, making the term more familiar in everyday conversations.
Even if you’re watching a virtual court session online or reading about a case in news apps, sustained is still widely used.
Example 1 – Online Court Streaming:
Commentator: “The judge just sustained the objection, so that part of the testimony won’t count.”
Example 2 – Social Media Discussion:
User: “In that trial, the objection was sustained, so the evidence was thrown out.”
Example 3 – Classroom / Mock Trials:
Teacher: “If you object to an unfair question in the mock trial, the judge might sustain it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sustained” mean in simple words?
It means the judge agrees with a lawyer’s objection in court.
When do judges say “sustained”?
When a lawyer objects to a question, statement, or evidence, and the judge agrees it’s correct to block it.
What’s the difference between “sustained” and “overruled”?
Sustained = Judge agrees with objection.
Overruled = Judge disagrees with objection.
Can “sustained” be used outside court?
Yes, it can mean something is supported or maintained, but the courtroom usage is more precise.
Does “sustained” mean the lawyer won?
No, it only applies to a single objection, not the whole case.
What is a common objection that can be sustained?
Examples include leading questions, irrelevant evidence, hearsay, speculation, and repeated questions.
Is “sustained” used in all countries?
It’s mainly used in countries with English common law traditions, like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Conclusion
Understanding the term “sustained” in court makes legal proceedings easier to follow. It simply means the judge agrees with a lawyer’s objection. By learning the difference between sustained and overruled, you can read court transcripts, watch trials, or participate in discussions confidently.
Next time you hear “Objection sustained,” you’ll know exactly what it means—and even use it metaphorically in everyday life to show agreement with rules or objections. Learning legal terms like this not only improves your English but also sharpens your understanding of law and justice.
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