Rule 61. Harmless Error

Unless justice requires otherwise, no error in admitting or excluding evidence—or any other error by the court or a party—is ground for granting a new trial, for setting aside a verdict, or for vacating, modifying, or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order.   At every stage of the proceeding, the court must disregard all errors and defects that do not affect any party’s substantial rights.

Essential Points

• Rule 61 provides that errors that do not affect a party’s substantial rights are harmless and cannot be grounds for a new trial, setting aside a verdict, or modifying a judgment or order.