Opinion ID: 2359281
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Did the trial court abuse its discretion by permitting testimony relating to Stern's prior employment?

Text: The Corporation filed a motion in limine seeking to prevent the admission of testimony regarding Stern's prior employment. The motion was denied. [4] Prior to taking testimony the court reviewed the pleadings to determine what facts were admitted. The judge resolved that the jury could hear that the Corporation was aware that Stern had foregone other employment to work for the Corporation, though the specifics of such employment should not be brought to the jury's attention as an admission. The Corporation contended that such was irrelevant. Stern testified that he gave up a tenured position as a school teacher in order to work for the Corporation. The Corporation here argues that such testimony was irrelevant and prejudicial. Relevant evidence is defined as evidence which tends to establish a fact in issue or which in some degree advances the inquiry, and thus has probative value. Whistler Sportswear, supra . Stern's prior employment as a tenured school teacher had no bearing on the resolution of the issues in this case and therefore it was improper to advise the jury of such prior job. Nor should the Corporation be barred from raising this issue by its failure to renew its objection at every opportunity and by its own cross-examination of Stern regarding his prior occupation. In Yankunos v. Hinds Catering Co., 130 Pa.Superior Ct. 187, 196 A. 520 (1938), this court ruled that where it clearly appears from the ruling made as to a particular objection that such ruling will be applicable to all questions asked on the same matter counsel need not repeat his objection in order to preserve the issue. Furthermore, counsel who suffers an adverse ruling would be foolish if, after preserving his objection, he or she failed to attempt to discredit the testimony by cross-examination in the hope that he or she would be vindicated on appeal. See McCormick on Evidence § 55 (2nd Ed. 1972).