GA SB174

Adopts Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure 51 and 52 into Georgia criminal trial proceedings, with 11th Circuit Court of Appeals interpretations given preference where federal circuit courts conflict

Eliminates the requirement for formal exceptions to court rulings or orders in criminal trials

Allows parties to preserve error claims by informing the court of the desired action or objection and its grounds when the ruling is made; lack of opportunity to object will not prejudice a party

Requires courts to disregard any error, defect, irregularity, or variance that does not affect substantial rights

Permits appellate review of "plain errors" affecting substantial rights even when no objection was raised at trial