Court Opinion

ID: 9641585
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 17:35:26.792489+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:10:38.365337
License: Public Domain

NIX, Justice,
dissenting.
I am again required to express my disagreement with the majority’s reluctance to compel compliance with the provisions of Pa.R.Crim.P. 1123(a) and the explicit mandate of Commonwealth v. Blair, 460 Pa. 31, 331 A.2d 213 (1975). In Commonwealth v. Waters, 477 Pa. 430, 384 A.2d 234 (1978) we took great pains to explain that the requirement of specific written post-trial motions was not merely an arbitrary insistance upon form but rather, because of its importance in the review process.
“Where boiler plate variety motions are filed, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to determine with precision the issues actually argued before the court below. The trial court’s opinion may not refer to all questions touched upon in oral argument; the trial court may sua sponte address an issue not presented by the parties; and finally, the court may misperceive the issue actually urged by the party.
In sum, the insistance upon the requirement of specific written post-verdict motions in accordance with Rule 1123(a) enhances the quality of review; encourages professional advocacy; discourages pursuit of frivolous claims; and promotes judicial economy. Because of the desirability of the objectives sought to be obtained by enforcement of this requirement and the unequivocal notice to the bench and the bar that strict compliance would be expected as to motions filed after our Blair decision, there is no longer a justification for a continuation of an exception of the application . . . .”
Id., 477 Pa. at 435-36, 384 A.2d at 237.
In Commonwealth v. Jones, 478 Pa. 172, 386 A.2d 495 (1978) (Concurring Opinion by Nix, J.). I set forth my views *555as to why an unfiled memorandum, which is the case here, is inadequate to accomplish the objectives sought to be achieved by the requirement of a specific, written post-trial motion. See also Commonwealth v. Pugh, 476 Pa. 445, 383 A.2d 183 (1978) (Dissenting Opinion by Nix, J.).
I would affirm the judgment of sentence, because the issues presented were not properly preserved.