Opinion ID: 2378775
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: instruction as to punitive damages

Text: Appellant contends the instruction on punitive damages was erroneous because it included the alternative paragraph of the model instruction to be used in a negligence case. As this was an intentional tort claim for conversion, appellant contends the instruction as to punitive damages in negligence cases was prejudicial error. We do not reach the merits of this claim, because it is argued for the first time on appeal. ARCP Rule 51 clearly provides that an objection to an erroneous instruction is required before or at the time the instruction is given. Acme Brick, 307 Ark. 363, 821 S.W.2d 7. Moreover, we do not have a plain error rule. Lynch v. Blagg, 312 Ark. 80, 847 S.W.2d 32 (1993); Dotson v. Madison County, 311 Ark. 395, 844 S.W.2d 371 (1993).