Rulebase

Period After 'Object' or 'Objection' Used Alone Before Reasons

The Period

Rulebase Summary

When the words 'object,' 'objection,' or similar expressions are used alone as a standalone thought, place a period after them before the reasons for the objection are listed. Each word stands for a complete thought ('Object' = 'I object'; 'Objection' = 'I have an objection') and is punctuated as a fragment with a period.

BGGP Period.6 · p.69

Examples

MR. QUINN: Objection, calls for speculation.

MR. QUINN: Objection. Calls for speculation.

"Objection" standing alone gets a period before the reason.

MS. PATEL: Object, asked and answered.

MS. PATEL: Object. Asked and answered.

"Object" alone is a complete expression — period after it.

Transcript Notes

Though some reporters use semicolons between objections or a colon after 'Object,' using a period after each separate objection is the clearest and simplest approach. It avoids complicating the punctuation unnecessarily.

Style Guide References (1)

BGGP

Period.6 Page 69
See also (4)