Harmless Error Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Harmless Error.

Harmless Error (noun)

A harmless error is a mistake made during a legal process, but one that does not affect the overall outcome or deciding opinion of the case. In other words, it's an error that is deemed insignificant in influencing the final decision. When such an error is discovered, the presence of the harmless error is usually not enough reason for a higher court to overturn the opinion of the lower court.