Court Reporter Practice Exam

In legal terms, what does it mean for an argument or claim to be "sustained"?

1. It has been postponed for further review

2. It has been upheld by a legal authority

3. It has been challenged by opposing counsel

4. It is no longer relevant to the case

The correct answer is: It has been upheld by a legal authority

In legal terminology, when an argument or claim is described as "sustained," it indicates that the argument or claim has been upheld by a legal authority, such as a judge. This means that the court recognizes the validity of the argument, and it is accepted as appropriate and applicable within the context of the case. The term is often used during proceedings where objections are raised; for instance, if one party objects to certain evidence or a line of questioning, and the judge sustains the objection, it means that the judge agrees with the reason behind the objection and will not allow the evidence or questioning to proceed. This determination can have significant implications for the outcome of the case, reinforcing the importance of the legal authority's role in evaluating the claims presented. The other options depict different situations: postponement for review refers to a delay rather than a decision; challenging by opposing counsel signifies an active dispute without a resolution; and irrelevance means that the particular argument no longer holds weight in the overall legal discussion. Each of these points to a status that does not align with the affirming action of sustaining a claim or argument.