Fowler v. State (2)

In Fowler v. State, 958 S.W.2d 853 (Tex. App.--Waco 1997) aff'd, 991 S.W.2d 258 (Tex. Crim. App. 1999). the Court held that in applying the test for "harmless error" under Rule of Appellate Procedure 44.2(b), our primary question is what effect the error had, or reasonably may have had, upon the jury's decision. Fowler, 958 S.W.2d at 865. We must view the error, not in isolation, but in relation to the entire proceeding. Id. We review the entire record to determine whether the error had more than a slight influence on the verdict. Fowler, 958 S.W.2d at 866. If we find that it did, we must conclude that the error affected the defendant's rights in such a way as to require a new trial. Id. If we have grave doubts about its effect on the outcome, we should find that the error was such as to require a new trial. Id. Otherwise, we should disregard the error. Id.