Reversible Error

Definition of Reversible Error

Note: See a more comprehensive approach to the Reversible Error legal concept in the American Law Encyclopedia

A mistake that substantially affects a person's rights and requires the setting aside of a lower court judgment on appeal. Reversible error is of such consequence that a miscarriage of justice results from its remaining uncorrected. Reversible error is prejudicial error in that it adversely affects a person's basic rights. A claimed error in a trial becomes the focus of an appeal. The appellate court must determine if an error did, indeed, occur, and whether the error was substantial enough to require the reversal of the judgment. Reversible error is the opposite of “harmless error,” where a mistake is inconsequential or immaterial to the outcome.

Resources