Wilson v. Williams

Jackie Wilson (plaintiff) was convicted as an accomplice to the murder of two police officers. Awaiting trial, he was allegedly attacked without provocation by prison guard James Williams (defendant), and he sued for his injuries. Wilson's pretrial motion in limine to keep the jury from hearing about his role in the police murders was denied. In his own opening, Wilson's lawyer acknowledged the conviction and used it to explain the attack, but throughout trial Williams's lawyer repeatedly and inflammatorily called Wilson a 'cop killer.' Wilson's lawyer never objected to this language. The jury found for Williams, and Wilson appealed.

Whether a party who believes an error occurred at trial must raise a timely and specific objection to preserve the issue for appeal.