Harmless Error Doctrine

The Harmless Error Doctrine is a legal principle stating that if a mistake or error occurs during a trial—such as an improperly admitted piece of evidence or a procedural misstep—only those errors that could have affected the verdict are grounds for reversing a conviction. In essence, courts may overlook harmless errors that didn't influence the outcome, ensuring that final verdicts are based on the proper evaluation of evidence and law. This doctrine helps maintain efficiency and fairness, preventing minor errors from overturning decisions when the overall case remains sound.