In legal proceedings, a declaration by a judge that a prior ruling, objection, or precedent is invalid or incorrect. For example, if an attorney objects to a question posed to a witness, and the judge states overruled, it signifies that the objection is rejected, and the questioning may continue. The judge is determining that the objection is without merit under the rules of evidence.
The action serves as a cornerstone of the adversarial legal system, ensuring flexibility and allowing for the correction of errors or the adaptation to evolving legal interpretations. Historically, courts have used it to refine existing legal doctrines, adapt them to new circumstances, or even invalidate previous erroneous interpretations of the law. This contributes to the development of legal principles and ensures the legal system remains responsive to societal changes.
