A formal declaration whereby a person expresses a personal objection or disappro val of an act.

A written statement, made by a notary, at the request of a holder of a bill or a note that describes the bill or note and declares that on a cert ain day the instrument was presented for, and refused, payment. A protest is generally made to save some right that would be waived unless a neg ative opinion was expressly voiced. Taxes are often paid under protest, an actio n by which a taxpayer reserves the right to recover the amount paid if he has su fficient evidence to prevail. The document states the reasons for the refusal and provides for the notary to p rotest against all parties to the instrument declaring that they can be held lia ble for any loss or damages. A notice of protest is given by the holder of the i nstrument to the drawer or endorser of the instrument. West's Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, I nc. All rights reserved Protest v. 1) to complain in some public way about any act already done or about to be done, such as adoption of a regulation by a county board, sending troops overseas, or use of the death penalty. 2) to dispute the amount of property taxe s, the assessed evaluation of property for tax purposes, or an import duty. 3) n . a written demand for payment of the amount owed on a promissory note which has not been paid when due or a check which has been dishonored (not paid by the ba nk). Copyright 1981-2005 by Gerald N. Hill and Kathleen T. Hill. All Right reserved.