Opinion ID: 2377016
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Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Bauman's Motion for a New Trial

Text: Bauman's contention that a new trial should be granted is based solely on alleged errors in the trial court's instructions to the jury. However, an examination of the record discloses that these particular assignments of error were not included in his motion for a new trial below. Nor does a reading of the court's opinion indicate that they were considered. Under such circumstances, they will not be considered on appeal, Perles v. Northumberland County Return Board, 415 Pa. 154, 202 A. 2d 538 (1964), and Sweitzer v. Whitehead, 404 Pa. 506, 173 A. 2d 116 (1961). Additionally, although at the conclusion of the charge the trial judge specifically invited counsel to state any objections they entertained thereto, Bauman's counsel remained silent and failed to enter even a general exception. Failure of trial counsel to manifest any disagreement with the court's instructions precludes, in the absence of fundamental and prejudicial error, a subsequent contention that it was erroneous. James v. Ferguson, 401 Pa. 92, 162 A. 2d 690 (1960); Luterman v. Philadelphia, 396 Pa. 301, 152 A. 2d 464 (1959). Our reading of the instructions to the jury fails to disclose any fundamental and prejudicial error that would warrant a retrial. Judgments affirmed.