What is an 'Objection'?
A formal protest against an improper question or request.
An objection is a formal statement an attorney makes during a deposition or hearing to protest a question they believe is improper under the rules of evidence or procedure.
Why it matters to you
Objections matter most on the day of your deposition. There is one simple rule to remember: if your attorney objects while you are being questioned, stop talking immediately. The objection is not a signal that you did something wrong. It preserves a legal issue for the record.
After the objection, we will tell you what to do next. Most of the time you will still answer the question. The only time you should not answer is when we specifically instruct you not to, which usually happens to protect privilege, the confidentiality of your communications with us.
An example from an employment case
During your deposition in a discrimination case, the employer's attorney asks what you and your Wanta Thome attorney discussed before the deposition. Your attorney objects and instructs you not to answer, because that conversation is privileged. On a different question that is merely awkwardly worded, your attorney might object to the form and then tell you to go ahead and answer.
Every case is different. Ask your legal team how this applies to yours.
Related terms
Deposition, Privilege, Evidence, Hearing
Still have questions? Your legal team is happy to help. Message us through the client portal or call the office, and we will point you to the right person.