Campbell v. Commonwealth

Although I concur with the majority opinion, I write separately to explain why, in my opinion, the contemporaneous objection rule does not bar a reversal in this appeal. By writing separately, I seek to express those principles that underlie my decision and urge the uniform application of these principles to like cases.

The contemporaneous objection rule embodied in Rule 5A:18 is not without exception. Even where an objection is not stated, an error may be the basis for reversal (1) “for good cause shown,” or (2) “to enable the Court of Appeals to attain the ends of justice.” Rule 5A:18. In…