Rule 31. Preservation of Claimed Error  


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  • (A) Exceptions Unnecessary. Exceptions to the rulings or Orders of the Court are unnecessary.

    (B) Preserving a Claim of Error. A ruling or Order that admits or excludes evidence is governed by the North Carolina Rules of Evidence. Any party may preserve a claim of error by informing the Court—when the Court ruling or Order is sought—of the action the party wishes the Court to take, or the party's objection or opposition to the Court's action, along with the grounds for the objection or opposition. If a party does not have an opportunity to object or oppose a ruling, the absence of an objection or notation of opposition shall not later prejudice that party.

    (C) Harmless Error. Any error, defect, irregularity, or variance that does not affect substantial rights must be disregarded.

    (D) Plain Error. A plain error that affects substantial rights may be considered even though it was not brought to the Cherokee Court's attention.