cumulative error

English

Noun

cumulative error (plural cumulative errors)

1. A statistical or measurement error that compounds with further calculation, analysis, etc.

   Rounding the results of intermediate calculations introduces cumulative error in the final answer.

2. (law) Legal errors that, when taken alone may be immaterial, but taken together substantially prejudice the result of a trial.
   • 2024, Glossip v. Oklahoma (U.S. Supreme Court No. 22-7466), Brief of respondent in support of petition for a writ of certiorari:

     In addition to confessing error relating to the Napue violation, the State confessed to cumulative error in response to multiple issues raised in Glossip’s Post-Conviction Relief Application that, when taken together with the incorrect testimony of the State’s key witness, the State believes establishes that Glossip’s trial was unfair and unreliable.

Further reading

• “cumulative error”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.