I still remember the first time I watched a courtroom drama and heard the judge firmly say, “Objection… sustained!” Everyone in the courtroom scene reacted, but I had no idea what it actually meant.
Was someone in trouble? Was the lawyer wrong? Or did the judge just agree with something?
If you’ve heard “sustained” in court, on TV, or while reading legal discussions and felt confused — you’re not alone. It sounds formal, serious, and very “lawyer-ish.”
Here’s the quick and simple answer:
Quick Answer:
In court, “sustained” means the judge agrees with the objection made by one of the lawyers. It’s a formal way of saying: “Yes, that objection is valid.”
🧠What Does Sustained Mean in Court?
In legal terms, “sustained” is used when a lawyer raises an objection and the judge accepts or approves it. This means the judge believes the objection is correct, and whatever the other lawyer was trying to ask or say cannot continue in that moment.
Simple example:
Lawyer A: “Where were you on the night of—”
Lawyer B: “Objection! Leading question.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
➡️ The question cannot be asked.
Bold summary:
In short: Sustained = Judge agrees with the objection = The action must stop or be changed.
📱Where Is “Sustained” Commonly Used?
You’ll commonly hear the word “sustained” in:
- ⚖️ Courtrooms
- 🎬 Crime shows or legal dramas (e.g., Suits, Law & Order)
- 📰 Legal news coverage
- 📚 Law textbooks or courtroom scripts
- 🏫 Mock trials and debate clubs
The term is FORMAL, and you will only hear it in legal or highly structured environments — not in texting, social media, or casual conversations.
💬Examples of “Sustained” in Courtroom Conversations
Here are realistic courtroom-style examples that help you understand how it works:
Example 1:
Lawyer: “Objection, Your Honor. That question assumes facts not in evidence.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
Example 2:
Defense: “Objection! He’s badgering the witness.”
Judge: “Sustained. Counsel, rephrase your question.”
Example 3:
Prosecutor: “Objection, hearsay.”
Judge: “Sustained. Jury will disregard that statement.”
Example 4:
Defense: “Objection, relevance.”
Judge: “Sustained.”
Example 5:
Lawyer: “Objection, leading question.”
Judge: “Sustained. Please reword the question.”
🕓When to Use and When Not to Use “Sustained”
✅ When to Use It
Use “sustained” only when:
- You’re in a courtroom setting
- You’re participating in a mock trial or legal debate
- You’re writing or discussing legal procedures
- You want to refer to a judge’s decision on an objection
❌ When NOT to Use It
Avoid using “sustained” in:
- Casual texting
- Social media conversations
- Workplace chats
- Friendly arguments
- Informal discussions
It’s strictly legal terminology.
Comparison Table
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works / Doesn’t Work |
|---|---|---|
| Courtroom | “Objection… sustained.” | Correct formal usage. |
| Mock Trial | “The judge sustained my objection.” | Accurate in academic/legal settings. |
| Work Chat | “My point was sustained.” | ❌ Sounds unnatural and overly formal. |
| Casual Chat | “My complaint was sustained lol.” | ❌ Not used in texting. |
| “Your request has been sustained.” | ❌ Incorrect unless it’s a legal decision. |
🔄Similar Legal Terms or Alternatives
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Overruled | Judge rejects the objection | During court objections |
| Objection | Lawyer challenges a question or statement | During questioning |
| Admissible | Evidence allowed in court | Discussing evidence |
| Inadmissible | Evidence not allowed in court | When evidence breaks rules |
| Affirmed | Higher court agrees with a lower court | Appeals process |
| Rephrase | Judge asks lawyer to reword a question | When a question is unclear or improper |
❓FAQs
1. Does “sustained” mean someone won the case?
No. It only means the judge approved a specific objection — not the entire case.
2. What’s the opposite of “sustained”?
Overruled — meaning the judge disagrees with the objection.
3. Can a witness say “sustained”?
No. Only the judge uses this term.
4. Why do lawyers object in the first place?
To prevent unfair or improper questions, protect witnesses, and follow courtroom rules.
5. Is “sustained” used in normal English conversations?
Not really. It’s a legal-only phrase.
