Court Opinion

ID: 9475978
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 05:44:32.063328+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:45:03.892237
License: Public Domain

LOGAN, Circuit Judge,
concurring:
While I agree with the result reached by the majority opinion, I do not agree with all of the legal propositions stated therein. In part I, I agree that the district court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to allow Smith’s expert to answer the question discussed. If I thought otherwise, however, I would not find the error harmless as the majority has done. Prior to final argument, there were only two references in front of the jury to MSHA approval of the roof control plan. These were so innocuous they could not possibly have prejudiced Smith. Therefore, in Part III would not have discussed the hearsay, best evidence, foundation or relevancy objections. I agree that the reference to MSHA’s approval by ARCO’s counsel in closing argument is more serious and was improper, but in the context of the entire closing argument and the whole trial it does not justify reversal. Because we affirm the jury’s determination in ARCO’s favor, I would not discuss any of the issues raised in ARCO’s cross-appeal.