courtroom phrases and meanings

Here’s a table of common courtroom phrases along with their meanings and examples of usage:

Phrase	Meaning	Example Usage
“Objection!”	A formal protest against an attorney’s question or evidence.	“Objection! That evidence is irrelevant.”
“Sustained”	The judge agrees with the objection and will not allow the evidence or question.	“The objection is sustained; the witness cannot answer.”
“Overruled”	The judge disagrees with the objection and allows the evidence or question.	“The objection is overruled; you may continue.”
“The witness is excused”	The witness can leave the courtroom after giving their testimony.	“Thank you for your testimony; you are excused.”
“Take the stand”	To testify in court as a witness.	“The next witness is called to take the stand.”
“Cross-examination”	The questioning of a witness by the opposing party after the direct examination.	“During cross-examination, the defense challenged her credibility.”
“Direct examination”	The initial questioning of a witness by the party that called them.	“The lawyer conducted a direct examination of the plaintiff.”
“Beyond a reasonable doubt”	The standard of proof required in criminal cases.	“The jury must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant’s guilt.”
“Hearsay”	Testimony that is not based on a witness’s personal knowledge but rather on what others have said.	“The statement is hearsay and cannot be admitted as evidence.”
“Motion”	A formal request made to the court for a specific action or ruling.	“The defense filed a motion to dismiss the charges.”
“Verdict”	The decision made by a jury or judge in a trial.	“The jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty.”
“Innocent until proven guilty”	A legal principle that one is considered innocent unless proven otherwise.	“The defendant is innocent until proven guilty.”
“Testimony”	A formal statement made by a witness under oath.	“Her testimony provided crucial evidence in the case.”
“Court adjourned”	The court session is concluded and will reconvene later.	“The judge announced that court is adjourned until tomorrow.”