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Admonition
An admonition is a formal warning or scolding from a judge to a lawyer, witness, party, or juror telling them to stop doing something improper or to follow courtroom rules.
What it actually is
In a court case, an admonition is a statement the judge makes to correct behavior or prevent a mistrial, such as telling a witness not to discuss a certain topic or instructing a jury to disregard something they heard. It appears at the moment the issue arises during trial, but it can also refer to a written warning in certain disciplinary contexts for lawyers.
Why it matters in your case
For you, an admonition matters because ignoring it can lead to penalties like contempt of court, or in a jury context, failure to follow the judge's instruction could lead to a mistrial. It also preserves the record for appeal, since the judge's warning shows they tried to prevent unfair prejudice.
The common misunderstanding
People often confuse an admonition with a formal punishment, but it is just a warning—not a fine or jail time by itself. Another confusion is thinking the judge is scolding you personally; often it is aimed at a lawyer or witness and is simply a routine part of keeping the trial fair.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.