Opinion ID: 1136800
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Is the verdict against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, or alternatively, does cumulative error in the trial of this case demand a new trial?

Text: A trial court may not overturn a jury verdict and order a new trial unless it concludes that the verdict was against the overwhelming weight of the evidence, and that an unconscionable injustice would otherwise result. Groseclose v. State, 440 So.2d 297, 300 (Miss. 1983). The court on written motion of the defendant may grant a new trial on any of the following grounds: 4. If the jury has received any evidence, papers or documents, not authorized by the court, or the court has admitted illegal testimony, or excluded competent and legal testimony; ... . 6. If the court has misdirected the jury in a material matter of law, or has failed to instruct the jury upon all questions of law necessary for their guidance. U.R.C.C.C. 5.16 (emphasis added). On appeal, the decision of the lower court is examined to determine whether there was an abuse of discretion. May v. State, 460 So.2d 778, 781 (Miss. 1984). Having recommended that the trial court erred in disallowing evidence concerning source of the injury and in misdirecting the jury by giving an improper Allen charge, we must necessarily conclude that the trial judge abused his discretion in not granting Herrington's motion for a new trial.