As a verb, to protest means to publicly express dissatisfaction or objection towards an action, or to assert something firmly and emphatically, especially in response to doubt or accusation.
As a noun, a protest is a public remonstrance or demonstration (usually expressing dissent) centered around an act or policy of a governing body, such as sending troops overseas, use of the death penalty, or any other regulation or law. Generally, by expressing objection to a political idea or act through protest, protesters aim to influence public opinion and/or government policy. A protest constitutes an instance of civil resistance, or nonviolent resistance, when it is part of a larger systematic and peaceful nonviolent campaign aimed at achieving a specific objective by use of pressure and persuasion.
A protest is also the legal procedure by which a taxpayer disputes their property tax rate, the assessed evaluation of property for tax purposes, or an import duty. An objection to the payment of an import duty must include a distinct and clear specification of each substantive ground of objection to the payment of the duty.
A protest may also be:
- A written demand, usually issued by a notary public, for payment of an amount owed on a promissory note that has not been paid or on a check that was refused by a bank.
- A document drawn by the master of a ship, and formally attested, stating the circumstances under which damage has happened to the ship or its cargo.
- A legal proceeding to contest or invalidate an entry of public lands.
- An express reservation or notice, preferably in writing, by which a person protects themself against the effects of any admission that might be implied from their act.
- Such protest is used in commercial transactions where payers purchase goods out of desperation or vulnerability. Usually, at the time of payment, a buyer’s status as one paying “under protest” is noted on the receipt.
- This note implies that though the buyer/payer pays under compulsion of circumstances, they do not acquiesce in the legality of the demand or surrender any right they may have to recover back the money they’ve paid.
- In commercial paper transactions, a certificate of dishonor, made under the hand and seal of a United States consul, vice consul, notary public, or other person authorized to certify dishonor by the law of the place where dishonor occurs.
[Last updated in March of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]