The objection asserts that a request seeks more than the scope permits or that responding would impose burden disproportionate to the needs of the case. It requires specific support rather than assertion.
Proportionality factors under Rule 26(b)(1) govern the analysis.
Alternative Names:
Overbreadth Objection, Undue Burden Objection
Why it Matters?
Supporting the objection with figures is what determines whether it succeeds, since courts routinely overrule burden objections offered without evidence of what responding would actually cost. An affidavit stating the custodian count, data volume, review hours, and vendor cost is the standard support. That evidence requires the data mapping many organizations lack, which is why the objection frequently fails for reasons unrelated to its merit.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What support does the objection require?
Why do these objections frequently fail?
