Legal Definitions - invited error

Definition: Invited error is a mistake made during a trial that a party cannot complain about on appeal because they encouraged or prompted the court to make the error.

Example: During a trial, a lawyer asks a question that they know is not allowed. The judge allows the question, and the opposing party objects. However, the lawyer who asked the question cannot complain about the judge's decision on appeal because they invited the error.

This example illustrates how a party can be responsible for an error made during a trial and cannot use it as a basis for appeal. The lawyer knew the question was not allowed but asked it anyway, leading to the judge's decision to allow it. Therefore, the lawyer invited the error and cannot complain about it on appeal.