Legal Definitions - error

Definition: An error is a mistake or misconception. In legal contexts, an error can be a mistake of fact or a mistake of law. A mistake of law can nullify or reverse a judgment in a case. A mistake of fact that a judge or jury relied on to reach a decision or verdict may or may not warrant reversal. A harmless error in court proceedings is one that does not affect or change the case's final result.

• Example 1: A student makes an error on a math problem and gets the wrong answer.
• Example 2: In a court case, the judge makes an error of law and the verdict is reversed.
• Example 3: In a court case, the jury makes an error of fact and the verdict is upheld because it does not affect the final result.

The examples illustrate that errors can occur in various contexts, such as academic work or legal proceedings. Mistakes can have different consequences depending on the situation. In a court case, an error of law can have a significant impact on the outcome, while an error of fact may not. A harmless error does not affect the final result, so it is not considered significant.