Overrule refers to the action taken by a higher court to reject or nullify a decision made by a lower court. When a higher court overrules a decision, it effectively sets aside the ruling made by the lower court, deeming it incorrect or in conflict with the law. This typically occurs when a party appeals a decision and the appellate court finds errors in the legal reasoning or application of law by the lower court, leading to the reversal of the decision.
- to reject an attorney's objection to a question to a witness or admission of evidence. By overruling the objection, the trial judge allows the question or evidence in court. If the judge agrees with the objection, he/she "sustains" the objection and does not allow the question or evidence.
- to decide (by a court of appeals) that a prior appeals decision on a legal issue was not correct and is therefore no longer a valid precedent on that legal question.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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