Submitted: May 9, 1995
         Filed: June 15, 1995

William E. Galloway
Daniel P. Taylor
Galloway & Taylor
Weirton, West Virginia
Attorneys for Appellees

Herbert G. Underwood
Steptoe & Johnson
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Karen Kahle
Steptoe & Johnson
Wheeling, West Virginia
Attorneys for Appellants

JUSTICE CLECKLEY delivered the Opinion of the Court.
JUSTICE BROTHERTON and JUSTICE RECHT did not participate.
JUDGE FOX, sitting by temporary assignment, deeming himself disqualified, did not participate in the consideration or decision of this case.
RETIRED JUSTICE MILLER and JUDGE SPAULDING sitting by temporary assignment.

         1. Once a successor judge is properly assigned pursuant to Rule 63 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule XVII of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules for Trial Courts of Record, his or her decision or judgment is to be reviewed on appeal under the same standard that would have been applied to the decision of the original trial judge. To do otherwise would disrupt the administration of justice. To the extent that our prior cases are inconsistent with this decision, they are expressly overruled.

         2. "When a trial judge vacates a jury verdict and awards a new trial pursuant to Rule 59 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, the trial judge has the authority to weigh the evidence and consider the credibility of the witnesses. If the trial judge finds the verdict is against the clear weight of the evidence, is based on false evidence or will result in a miscarriage of justice, the trial judge may set aside the verdict, even if supported by substantial evidence, and grant a new trial. A trial judge's decision to award a new trial is not subject to appellate review unless the trial judge abuses his or her discretion." Syllabus Point 3, in part, In re State Public Building Asbestos Litigation, ___ W. Va. ___, 454 S.E.2d 413 (1994).

         3. A claim of an appearance of impropriety does not rise to the level of a fundamental defect in due process requiring a new trial. Absent a showing of bias or prejudice, a new trial is unwarranted when (1) there has been a full trial on the merits, (2) there is no obvious error during the original proceedings, (3) the record shows it is extremely unlikely the prejudice could have affected the trial, and (4) the failure to disclose facts leading to a disqualification motion was inadvertent.

         4.    Once a trial judge rules on a motion in limine, that ruling becomes the law of the case unless modified by a subsequent ruling of the court. A trial court is vested with the exclusive authority to determine when and to what extent an in limine order is to be modified.

         5.    "'"'Failure to make timely and proper objection to remarks of counsel made in the presence of the jury, during the trial of a case, constitutes a . . . [forfeiture] of the right to raise the question thereafter in the trial court or in the appellate court.' Point 6, Syllabus, Yuncke v. Welker, 128 W.Va. 299 [36 S.E.2d 410 (1945)]." Syllabus point 7, State v. Cirullo, 142 W.Va. 56, 93 S.E.2d 526 (1956).' Syl.Pt. 5, State v. Davis, 180 W.Va. 357, 376 S.E.2d 563 (1988)." Syllabus Point 1, Daniel B. by Richard B. v. Ackerman, 190 W. Va. 1, 435 S.E.2d 1 (1993).

         6.    The formulation of jury instructions is within the broad discretion of a circuit court, and a circuit court's giving of an instruction is reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. A verdict should not be disturbed based on the formulation of the language of the jury instructions so long as the instructions given as a whole are accurate and fair to both parties.

         7.    "'"'Instructions must be read as a whole, and if, when so read, it is apparent they could not have misled the jury, the verdict will not be disturbed, through [sic] one of said instructions which is not a binding instruction may have been susceptible of a doubtful construction while standing alone.' Syl. Pt. 3, Lambert v. Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, 155 W.Va. 397, 184 S.E.2d 118 (1971)." Syllabus Point 2, Roberts v. Stevens Clinic Hospital, Inc., 176 W.Va. 492, 345 S.E.2d 791 (1986).' Syllabus Point 3, Lenox v. McCauley, 188 W.Va. 203, 423 S.E.2d 606 (1992)." Syllabus Point 6, Michael v. Sabado, ___ W. Va. ___, 453 S.E.2d 419 (1994).

         8.    The cumulative error doctrine may be applied in a civil case when it is apparent that justice requires a reversal of a judgment because the presence of several seemingly inconsequential errors has made any resulting judgment inherently unreliable.

        The appellants and defendants below, the Marion Health Care Foundation, Inc., aka Marion Health Care Hospital; Candace Chidester, M.D.; and Patricia K. Endress, D.O., appeal from an order of the Circuit Court of Marion County granting a new trial. The defendants assert the circuit court should not have granted the plaintiffs below and appellees herein, Janet M. Tennant and Larry B. Tennant, a new trial because there were insufficient grounds to justify setting the verdict aside. The defendants assert the plaintiffs were not prejudiced by the post-verdict revelation of the original trial judge's relationship with opposing counsel and, even if recusal was proper, a jury verdict should not be overturned solely on the appearance of impropriety without evidence proving bias or prejudice on the part of the original trial judge. It is also argued that the reviewing court erred in finding the defendants violated a prior in limine order and in finding error in one of the defendants' jury instructions.

        On August 17, 1989, Mrs. Tennant returned to the Hospital with rectal complaints and was treated by Dr. Endress. Dr. Endress treated Mrs. Tennant on several occasions at the Hospital through the fall of 1989. Throughout this period, Mrs. Tennant continued to have rectal complaints. On November 17, 1989, Dr. Endress discovered a perirectal abscess. Dr. Endress referred Mrs. Tenant to a surgeon on November 27, 1989, because of the persistence of the abscess.

        The surgeon, David McLellan, M.D., further referred Mrs. Tennant to Mohammed Roidad, M.D., a gastroenterologist. Dr. Roidad diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the anus on January 9, 1990. Mrs. Tennant was then referred by Dr. Roidad to Ronald Gaskin, M.D., a gastroenterologist at West Virginia University. Dr. Gaskin, in turn, referred Mrs. Tennant to the Cleveland Clinic.

        In January, 1990, Mrs. Tennant was examined by Victor Fazio, M.D., and Jeffrey Milsom, M.D., both colorectal surgeons. Because of the advanced stage of the cancer and the size of the lesion, Dr. Fazio and Dr. Milsom agreed surgery was the proper course of treatment for Mrs. Tennant. Mrs. Tennant was not offered a less invasive method of treatment like chemoradiation because the surgeons thought chemoradiation did not offer a good prospect for recovery.     An abdominoperineal resection with partial posterior vaginectomy with permanent colostomy was performed on Mrs. Tennant on January 18, 1990, at the Cleveland Clinic. The surgery was successful, with the exception of a nick on her ureter, which required some treatment. Mrs. Tennant has had no recurrence of the cancer nor experienced any long term effects from the nick of her ureter.

        Following the surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, Mrs. Tennant continued to seek medical treatment at the Hospital. Dr. Endress continued to provide most of Mrs. Tennant's treatment through June of 1991. Between 1991 and 1992, Mr. and Mrs. Tennant initiated a suit against the Cleveland Clinic for damaging Mrs. Tennant's ureter. The Cleveland Clinic agreed to a settlement that included a waiver of fees and expenses owed to the Clinic.

        On August 16, 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Tennant filed an action against the defendants alleging negligent care and treatment by the Hospital and its physicians/employees. The Tennants asserted in their complaint that Mrs. Tennant was deprived of the opportunity to avoid the surgery because of the defendants' negligent failure to diagnose her cancer earlier. Prior to trial, the Tennants filed motions in limine requesting the circuit court to restrict the defendants from mentioning anything about the settlement with the Cleveland Clinic. The circuit court entered an order stating "the settlement of the Cleveland Clinic lawsuit will not come in as evidence in this case pending in Marion County, West Virginia[.]" The order also granted the defendants an offset for any sum received by the plaintiffs in the Cleveland Clinic lawsuit against any damages the defendants might pay in this case. Trial commenced on January 26, 1994, before the Honorable Fred Fox II. After five days of trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendants.

        During March, 1993, defense counsel's firm was retained by the liability carrier for the State to defend Judge Fox and others in a civil rights claim by a pro se litigant in federal court. One of the defense attorneys in the present case represented Judge Fox. On March 9, 1993, defense counsel made a motion to dismiss the federal case on behalf of Judge Fox. The motion to dismiss was converted to a motion for summary judgment and was granted on January 31, 1994. It was not until after he received a copy of the federal court order on February 2, 1994, that Judge Fox realized he had any relationship with defense counsel.See footnote 1 On February 10, 1994, Judge Fox notified plaintiffs' counsel of his relationship with defense counsel. Judge Fox was permitted by this Court to recuse himself, and the Honorable Rodney B. Merrifield was assigned to hear the post-trial motions.

        Following the entry of the judgement order, the plaintiffs filed a motion to set aside the verdict or, in the alternative, a motion for a new trial contending they were prejudiced by Judge Fox's relationship with defense counsel. The motion also alleged the defendants violated the pretrial order prohibiting any mention of the prior settlement with the Cleveland Clinic and that an erroneous jury instruction misstated the appropriate standard of care.

        Following a post-trial hearing on April 18, 1994, Judge Merrifield issued an order granting a new trial based on the appearance of impropriety, the violation of the pretrial order, and the erroneous jury instruction. The defendants appeal from this order.

        We believe our prior cases do not give adequate consideration and proper respect to Rule 63 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, which codifies the principle that, when necessary, a judge different from the one who presided at trial may preside and determine all remaining post-trial motions. Once chosen, a successor judge is given broad discretion in determining whether he or she properly can perform the remaining duties in a trial in which he or she did not preside.See footnote 2

        The defendants, without mentioning Rule 63, argue that just as an appellate court reviews a trial court's cold record, Judge Merrifield's post-trial rulings were also made on a cold record and, for that reason, should not be given deference under the clearly erroneous standard. Although this is not a case of first impression in West Virginia, its significance is demonstrated by its implication of considerations of judicial independence as well as the effective and expeditious administration of the business of the courts. As a preliminary matter, we note the defendants did not challenge the assignment of Judge Merrifield to succeed Judge Fox, and that, in accordance with Rule XVII of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules for Trial Courts of Record, the transfer of the case to Judge Merrifield was duly authorized and proper in all respects. Considering these facts, we believe this case was particularly proper for disposition by a successor judge. Contrary to the defendants' characterization, this case was not complex and, more significantly, it was a jury trial with a jury verdict. Judge Merrifield, prior to ruling, reviewed the files and records in the case, including a transcript of the proceedings, and heard the same counsel who conducted the trial.

        Of course, the stage of the proceedings at which the successor judge enters the case is usually the dispositive consideration in determining the successor judge's powers under Rule 63. If the successor judge takes over after a verdict has been entered of record and the remaining task is but to hear post- trial motions, as in this case
        "the new judge may perform any action which the first judge could have taken had he not become disabled. . . . [I]f the transcript of the proceedings is sufficient, he may also rule upon any post-trial motions made by the parties, including a motion for judgment n.o.v. or a motion for a new trial." James Wm. Moore, Moore's Federal Practice ¶ 63 at 63-10 (1995).

See also Lever v. United States, 443 F.2d 350 (2nd Cir. 1971); Rose Hall, Ltd. v. Chase Manhatten Overseas Banking Corp., 576 F. Supp. 107 (D.C. Del. 1983), aff'd 740 F.2d 956, 740 F.2d 957, 740 F.2d 958 (1984), cert. denied, 469 U.S. 1159, 105 S. Ct. 909, 83 L.Ed.2d 923 (1985).See footnote 3

        We now turn to the question of whether Judge Merrifield's decision should be reviewed under a deferential standard of review. We find that the manner in which Judge Merrifield prepared for this task was efficient, thorough, and exemplary. In these circumstances, once a successor judge is properly assigned pursuant to Rule 63 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure and Rule XVII of the West Virginia Trial Court Rules for Trial Courts of Record, his or her decision or judgment is to be reviewed on appeal under the same standard that would have been applied to the decision of the original trial judge. To do otherwise would disrupt the administration of justice. To the extent that our prior cases are inconsistent with this decision, they are expressly overruled.See footnote 4

        Pursuant to Rule 59 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, a circuit judge may grant a new trial "for any of the reasons for which new trials have heretofore been granted in actions at law." Essentially, Rule 59 merely restates the common law rule for new trials. Recently in Syllabus Point 3, in part, of Asbestos Litigation, supra, we refined our standard for appellate review of a circuit court's ruling on a motion for new trial:
                "When a trial judge vacates a jury verdict and awards a new trial pursuant to Rule 59 of the West Virginia Rules of Civil Procedure, the trial judge has the authority to weigh the evidence and consider the credibility of the witnesses. If the trial judge finds the verdict is against the clear weight of the evidence, is based on false evidence or will result in a miscarriage of justice, the trial judge may set aside the verdict, even if supported by substantial evidence, and grant a new trial. A trial judge's decision to award a new trial is not subject to appellate review unless the trial judge abuses his or her discretion."

See also Syl. pt. 2, in part, Maynard v. Adkins, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ S.E.2d ___ (No. 22529 3/27/95) ("'question of whether new trial should be granted by reason [of] counsel's possible violation'" of rules of Professional Responsibility is within the circuit court's discretion. (citation omitted)); Cook v. Harris, 159 W. Va. 641, 225 S.E.2d 676 (1976).

        The case before us presents several issues containing mixed questions of fact and law. As we previously note, these issues require a somewhat nuanced standard of review. Appeals in West Virginia are usually arrayed along a degree-of-deference continuum, stretching from plenary review at one pole to highly deferential modes of review (e.g., clear error, abuse of discretion) at the opposite pole. The standard of review we apply to mixed questions usually depends on where they fall along the degree-of-deference continuum: The more fact dominated the question, the more likely it is the trier's resolution of it will be accepted unless shown to be clearly erroneous.

        Thus, the level of deference given to a successor judge's decision to grant a new trial based upon trial error varies with the circumstances of each case. We accord a trial judge's decision to grant a new trial on the basis of judge bias and prejudice and evidentiary and instructional errors substantial respect. However, as will be discussed infra, the "harmless error" rule cautions that reviewing courts have the obligation to ensure that a successor judge exercise "sound judgment" in granting new trial on the basis of trial error. This less deferential standard is particularly appropriate when the justification for the new trial concerns legal trial errors as opposed to insufficiency of evidence under Rule 59. The lower court must always temper the decision whether to grant a new trial because of trial error by considering the importance to the litigants of receiving a fair and final judgment with society's interest, as expressed through our Legislature, that unless error affected the outcome of the trial, a new trial should not usually be granted. In other words, when a trial court abuses its discretion and grants a new trial on an erroneous view of the law, a clearly erroneous assessment of the evidence, or on error that had no appreciable effect on the outcome, it is this Court's duty to reverse. We will discuss each assignment of error in turn.See footnote 5

        Recognizing the failure to disclose the attorney-client relationship earlier in the proceedings was inadvertent, the successor judge nevertheless found "the plaintiffs had an absolute right to be notified of that conflict" and the late disclosure "calls into question the judicial process . . . [and] . . . any adverse ruling by . . . [Judge Fox] then may be questioned by the litigants as possibly being unfair, although it probably was absolutely not unfair and was the correct ruling." We disagree with the successor judge that the "appearance of impropriety," without more, necessitates a new trial.

        The legal system will endure only so long as members of society continue to believe that our courts endeavor to provide untainted, unbiased forums in which justice may be found and done. The right to a fair and impartial trial is fundamental to a litigant; fundamental to the judiciary is the public's confidence in the impartiality of our judges and proceedings over which they preside. "'[J]ustice must satisfy the appearance of justice.'" In re Murchinson, 349 U.S. 133, 136, 75 S. Ct. 623, 625, 99 L.Ed. 942, 946 (1955), quoting Offutt v. United States, 348 U.S. 11, 14, 75 S. Ct. 11, 13, 99 L.Ed. 11, 16 (1954). Thus, it is beyond peradventure that this Court possesses broad authority to preserve and protect the judiciary's essential functions.

        In this vein, we have repeatedly expressed the importance of an impartial judiciary. See State ex rel. Skinner v. Dostert, 166 W. Va. 743, 750, 278 S.E.2d 624, 630 (1981) (courts have an obligation pursuant to Section 17 of Article 3 of the West Virginia Constitution "to apply the law and decide the case unfettered by any influences alien to the case or the process"). See also State ex rel. Shrewsbury v. Poteet, 157 W. Va. 540, 202 S.E.2d 628 (1974); State ex rel. Moats v. Janco, 154 W. Va. 887, 180 S.E.2d 74 (1971). Similarly, judicial judgment must be made free of "'partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism.'" State ex rel. Skinner v. Dostert, 166 W. Va. at 750, 278 S.E.2d at 630. (Citation omitted). Indeed, one of the most fundamental constitutional rights of a party under our judicial system is that he, she, or it is entitled to a fair judicial tribunal and that "'"fairness requires an absence of actual bias or prejudice in the trial of a case."'" United States v. Wade, 931 F.2d 300, 304 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 502 U.S. 888, 112 S. Ct. 247, 116 L.Ed.2d 202 1991). (Citations omitted).

        To protect against the appearance of impropriety, courts in this country consistently hold that a judge should disqualify himself or herself from any proceeding in which his or her impartiality might reasonably be questioned.See footnote 6 Again, we have repeatedly held that where "'the circumstances offer a possible temptation to the average . . . [person] as a judge not to hold the balance nice, clear and true'" between the parties, a judge should be recused. (citation omitted) (emphasis added). Syl. pt. 3, in part, State ex rel. Brown v. Dietrick, 191 W. Va. 169, 444 S.E.2d 47 (1994). (Emphasis added; citation omitted). See also State v. Hodge, 172 W. Va. 322, 305 S.E.2d 278 (1983); Louk v. Haynes, 159 W. Va. 482, 223 S.E.2d 780 (1976). In Liljeberg v. Health Services Acquisition Corp., 486 U.S. 847, 860-61, 108 S. Ct. 2194, 2203, 100 L.Ed.2d 855, 872-73 (1988), the United States Supreme Court described the standard for recusal as whether a reasonable and objective person knowing all the facts would harbor doubts concerning the judge's impartiality. The Supreme Court stated: "'The goal is to avoid even the appearance of partiality.'" Liljeberg, 486 U.S. at 860, 108 S. Ct. at 2203, 100 L.Ed.2d at 872. (Citation omitted). To be clear, avoiding the appearance of impropriety is as important in developing public confidence in our judicial system as avoiding impropriety itself.

        Unquestionably, a judge should take appropriate action to withdraw from a case where he or she deems himself or herself biased or prejudiced.See footnote 7 Also important, however, is the rule that a judge has an equally strong duty to sit where there is no valid reason for recusal. See Laird v. Tatum, 409 U.S. 824, 93 S. Ct. 7, 34 L.E.2d 50 (1972) (Memorandum of Rehnquist, J.); Stern Bros., Inc. v. McClure, 160 W. Va. 567, 236 S.E.2d 222 (1977). In other words, while due consideration should be given to the notion that the administration of justice should be beyond the appearance of unfairness, a trial judge in deciding whether to recuse himself should also consider whether cases may be unfairly prejudiced or unduly delayed, or discontent may be created through unfounded charges of prejudice or unfairness made against the judge in the trial of a cause. See State v. Flint, 121 W. Va. 676, 301 S.E.2d 765 (1983).

        Therefore, it must be emphasized that the standard for recusal is an objective standard. The objective standard is essential when the question involves appearance: "[W]e ask how things appear to the well-informed, thoughtful and objective observer, rather than the hypersensitive, cynical, and suspicious person." U.S. v. Jordan, 49 F.3d 152, 156 (5th Cir. 1995).See footnote 8 See also In re Mason, 916 F.2d 384, 386 (7th Cir. 1990). The objective standard requires a factual basis for questioning a judge's impartiality.See footnote 9

        Because Judge Fox requested his own disqualification and recusal, we will assume, without deciding, that a reasonable person would have harbored doubts about his impartiality.See footnote 10 Thus, our next task under this assignment of error is to determine whether the remedy imposed by the successor judge was appropriate. We hold that a violation of the above recusal standard involving only the appearance of impropriety does not automatically require a new trial.See footnote 11 See Liljeberg, 486 U.S. at 862, 108 S. Ct. at 2203, 100 L.Ed.2d at 873 ("there is surely room for harmless error committed by busy judges who inadvertently overlook a disqualifying circumstance")See footnote 12; U.S. v. Jordan, 49 F.3d at 158 (holding that "violation of [28 U.S.C.] . . . 455(a) [which governs disqualification of judges for the appearance of impropriety] does not automatically require a new trial").

        We agree with the successor judge that a breach of our disqualification standards "calls into question the judicial process" and that the plaintiffs had an absolute right to disclosure; however, these rights, even when violated, do not automatically translate into a right to a new trial. Affirming the successor judge's ruling granting a new trial would create a per se rule that a new trial should be granted each time there is merely an appearance of impropriety without any additional supporting evidence indicating actual prejudice or bias. The reasoning of the successor judge flies directly in the teeth of the proposition that evidence of actual bias or prejudice must be presented and, in the bargain, contradicts the plain language of our harmless error rules and directly conflicts with our prior case law that new trials should be granted only in rare cases. Thus, a claim that there is a sense of unfairness about the trial is not enough to justify a new trial.

        Under our legislative and rule mandates, we are not permitted to grant new trials on the basis of ethical considerations. Rather, we must ask whether the trial court's rulings, decisions, and actions have erroneously and adversely affected the substantial rights of the parties. See W.Va.R.E. 103(a)See footnote 13; W.Va.R.Civ.P. 61See footnote 14; W. Va. Code, 58-1-2 (1972)See footnote 15; W. Va. Code, 58-1-3 (1923).See footnote 16 Disqualification under our recusal standards "is designed for the benefit of the judicial system, and even if a judge errs in failing to recuse . . . [himself], the error does not necessarily call into question the decisions of the court." United States v. Jordan, 49 F.3d at 158. In other words, a claim of an appearance of impropriety does not rise to the level of a fundamental defect in due process requiring a new trial.See footnote 17

        We have reached a similar conclusion when reviewing an attorney's unethical behavior. In Maynard v. Adkins, supra, we suggested that an attorney's conflict of interest did not control our determination of trial errors: "It must be kept in mind that the action before us is not an ethics proceeding. Although issues concerning legal ethics are intertwined herein, this action is an appeal from the granting of a new trial under W.Va.R.Civ.P. 59." ___ W. Va. at ___, ___ S.E.2d at ___. (Slip op. at 3). The present case concerns possible judicial impropriety instead of an attorney's conflict of interest. However, as stated in Maynard, while ethical considerations are important, they do not change or lessen the requirements for a new trial.See footnote 18

        Under West Virginia law, when substantial rights are not affected, reversal is not appropriate. A party is entitled to a new trial only if there is a reasonable probability that the jury's verdict was affected or influenced by trial error. Accordingly, we hold that absent a showing of bias or prejudice, a new trial is unwarranted when (1) there has been a full trial on the merits, (2) there is no obvious error during the original proceedings, (3) the record shows it is extremely unlikely that prejudice could have affected the trial, and (4) the failure to disclose facts leading to a disqualification motion was inadvertent.

        It is vital to the rule of law that legislative commands be honored, so long as they are constitutionally appropriate. Courts are not at liberty to disregard lawful directives of the Legislature simply because those directives conflict with our notions of fairness. In the last analysis, it is crucial to public confidence in the courts that judges be seen as enforcing the law and as obeying it themselves. This principle applies with full force to the "statutory harmless" error rule which, in substance, is a command to the judges of this State. Constitutional defects aside, "when . . . the legislative trumpet sounds clearly, courts are duty bound to honor the clarion call." United States v. Jackson, 30 F.3d 199, 204 (1st Cir. 1994).
        
         Although the successor judge understandably was concerned with judicial impropriety, he failed to require the plaintiffs to make a showing of actual bias or prejudice.See footnote 19 When a party argues that a judge is disqualified from a case because of bias or prejudice, the party bears the burden of proving the disqualifying facts and demonstrating how his or her rights to a fair trial were prejudiced. "[I]t is critically important in a case of this kind to identify the facts that might reasonably cause an objective observer to question . . . [a judge's] impartiality." Liljeberg, 486 U.S. at 865, 108 S. Ct. at 2205, 100 L.Ed.2d at 875. "Because of the presumption of regularity attendant on trial court proceedings," prejudice will not be presumed from a barren record. State v. Trail, 174 W. Va. 656, 660, 328 S.E.2d 671, 675 (1985). Therefore, the jury verdict in this case will be reinstated if, after a full review of the facts and issues presented, we conclude no reversible trial error was committed. Because we find no error based solely on the appearance of impropriety in this case, we must now decide whether error of any such magnitude was committed justifying the setting aside of the jury's verdict.

        The plaintiffs assert the defendants breached the pretrial order restriction when the following exchange took place between defense counsel and Mrs. Tennant:
                "[Defense counsel:] And am I not correct that you continued to see and use the facilities at the Marion Health Care Hospital until you and your husband decided to bring a lawsuit?

                "[Mrs. Tennant:] That's correct.

                "[Defense counsel:] And am I correct that the first lawsuit you brought was a lawsuit against the Cleveland Clinic?

                "[Mrs. Tennant:] Yes.

                "[Defense counsel:] And am I correct that the lawyers that you used in that process or procedure are the same lawyers that you have at the present time?

                "[Mrs. Tennant:] That's correct.

                "[Defense counsel:] And am I correct that the lawsuit concluded without trial but with settlement?

                "[Mrs. Tennant:] That's correct."

        As noted by the defendants, the plaintiffs did not object during or after this line of questioning. Additionally, there is no evidence the plaintiffs requested an instruction be given to the jury. Under this assignment, we are required to address specific areas of evidence law regarding motions in limine (a Latin phrase which means "at the threshold"). First, we must determine the proper procedure to be followed when the party opposing the in limine order believes the "door" to the prohibited evidence has been opened at trial. Second, where a motion in limine order has been deliberately violated, we must determine when a reversal of a verdict in favor of the party violating the order is required.

        We begin with a discussion of the role and purpose of motions in limine. Certain types of exclusionary rulings in civil cases are commonly made before trial, such as rulings on the admissibility of settlement evidence. In most cases, judges are hesitant to rule finally on evidentiary questions in advance of trial. The role and importance of the disputed evidence, its fit with the other evidence in the case, and even the precise nature of the evidence may all be affected by, or at least clearly understood within, the context of the trial itself.

        At the same time, determining the admissibility of a piece of evidence may sometimes require a potentially lengthy factual inquiry (i.e., whether a new class of scientific evidence is admissible). Thus, the utility of a pretrial motion in limine is that
        "it can settle evidentiary disputes in advance without interrupting an ongoing trial to entertain arguments (even briefs) on complicated points and without the inevitable risk that objecting and deciding evidence questions will themselves convey to the jury the substance of the matter in question, or subject the parties to risks of adverse jury reaction because of the contentious nature of evidentiary argument." Christopher B. Mueller & Laird C. Kirkpatrick, Evidence § 1.6 at 23 (1995).

The entire structure of the case, the parties' preparations, and the trial court's preparation of the jury charge may turn on whether a central piece of evidence is admitted. Thus, while caution needs to be exercised, trial judges have discretion to make purportedly final advance rulings to admit or exclude evidence. We say "purportedly" because judges in ongoing proceedings normally have some latitude to revisit their own earlier rulings. See Luce v. United States, 469 U.S. 38, 41-42, 105 S. Ct. 460, 463, 83 L.Ed.2d 443, 448 (1984) ("even if nothing unexpected happens" trial court may "alter a previous in limine ruling").

        In this case, neither side disputes the fact that the circuit court was entitled to rule in limine on the evidence in controversy pursuant to Rule 103(c) of the West Virginia Rules of Evidence.See footnote 20 Nor is there any challenge to the correctness of the circuit court's ruling in limine. Rather, the defendants state that once the door was opened by the plaintiffs, the defendants had every right to rebut the evidence, even if the rebuttal evidence had been declared inadmissible at a pretrial hearing. We strongly disagree.

        Once a trial judge rules on a motion in limine, that ruling becomes the law of the case unless modified by a subsequent ruling of the court. Like any other order of a trial court, in limine orders are to be scrupulously honored and obeyed by the litigants, witnesses, and counsel. It would entirely defeat the purpose of the motion and impede the administration of justice to suggest that a party unilaterally may assume for himself the authority to determine when and under what circumstances an order is no longer effective. A party who violates a motion in limine is subject to all sanctions legally available to a trial court, including contempt, when a trial court's evidentiary order is disobeyed.See footnote 21 To be clear, the only participant not bound by the in limine ruling is the trial court. A trial court is vested with the exclusive authority to determine when and to what extent an in limine order is to be modified.

        We have not had occasion to address the specific protocol that should be followed when a litigant believes that a change of circumstances has "opened the door" to the introduction of the very evidence that is forbidden in the in limine order. When these circumstances present themselves, the party wishing to introduce the evidence is obligated under Rule 103(c) to request an in camera hearing out of the presence of the jury.See footnote 22 At that time, the party may request a modification of the order. If the trial court permits such a modification, the modified order becomes the law of the case and the parties are required to act accordingly. Had this procedure been followed in this case, the issue we are addressing would not be before this Court.

        The plaintiffs seize upon the defendants' violation as their grounds for urging us to affirm the granting of a new trial. "Having refused to hunt with the hounds, we likewise refuse to hold with the hare." United States v. Muniz, 49 F.3d 36, 41 (1st Cir. 1995). To hold as the plaintiffs urge would erect another per se rule that is inconsistent with our prior precedent and, for that reason, we decline to do so. The case law in this jurisdiction establishes the rule that the failure to follow a trial judge's in limine ruling is not always reversible error. It is subject to a harmless error analysis. See Ilosky v. Michelin Tire Corp., 172 W. Va. 435, 307 S.E.2d 603 (1983). In this case, the plaintiffs could have prevented the introduction of the evidence by a specific and timely objection. For strategical reasons, they decided not to do so. Rather, they argue that because of the in limine order they were not required to object and that an objection would have placed undue emphasis on the question and answer. We disagree. Simply stated, the plaintiffs cannot "squirrel" away objections, revealing them for the first time after an adverse verdict.

        As a threshold matter, we think the plaintiffs seriously misconstrue the role of a motion in limine and their responsibility under Rule 103(a) of the West Virginia Rules of Evidence to preserve error for appellate review. We begin with the observation that had there been a timely objection to this line of questioning, it is unlikely the last question and answer would have been brought to the jury's attention. This is the paradigmatic case in which the plaintiffs gambled and lost by their failure to object. By failing to object, the plaintiffs failed to protect any rights they may have had to appeal the introduction of this evidence. Our jurisprudence clearly establishes the doctrine that preserving error is the responsibility of the parties. It is not the role of the trial judge to present evidence; nor is it his or her responsibility to exclude or limit evidence, as provided by evidence law, except insofar as the party opposing the evidence timely and specifically requests the trial judge to do so. To be clear, the party complaining on appeal of the admission of evidence bears sole responsibility for adequately preserving the record for meaningful appellate review. In this case, the responsible parties failed to meet this critical obligation.

        As we stated previously: "[O]bjections on non- jurisdictional issues, must be made in the lower court to preserve such issues for appeal." Loar v. Massey, 164 W. Va. 155, 159, 261 S.E.2d 83, 86 (1979). Therefore, the
        "'"'[f]ailure to make timely and proper objection to remarks of counsel made in the presence of the jury, during the trial of a case, constitutes a . . . [forfeiture] of the right to raise the question thereafter in the trial court or in the appellate court.' Point 6, Syllabus, Yuncke v. Welker, 128 W.Va. 299 [36 S.E.2d 410 (1945)]." Syllabus point 7, State v. Cirullo, 142 W.Va. 56, 93 S.E.2d 526 (1956).' Syl.Pt. 5, State v. Davis, 180 W.Va. 357, 376 S.E.2d 563 (1988)." Syllabus Point 1, Daniel B. by Richard B. v. Ackerman, 190 W. Va. 1, 435 S.E.2d 1 (1993).

See also Estep v. Brewer, ___ W. Va. ___, 453 S.E.2d 345 (1994); O'Neal v. Peake Operating Co., 185 W. Va. 28, 404 S.E.2d 420 (1991).

        Before leaving this subject, we note briefly that plaintiffs assert a rather broad reading of our decision in Bennett v. 3 C Coal Co., 180 W. Va. 665, 379 S.E.2d 388 (1989). The plaintiffs cite Bennett for the proposition that they were not required to renew their objection "to preserve the record for appeal." Their reliance on Bennett is misplaced. In Bennett, the defendant made a specific objection to and received an adverse ruling on its objection to the plaintiff's comments during opening statements. We found the defendant in that case was not required to repeat the objection later to preserve the issue for appeal. In the present case, the plaintiffs made an in limine motion. However, unlike the plaintiff in Bennett, the plaintiffs received a favorable ruling, but failed to raise an objection even once it was clear the defendants were violating the in limine order. Bennett's holding was designed to eliminate the requirement of repeating objections to preserve an issue for appeal only in the limited situation when a litigant has objected to and received an adverse ruling. We neither considered nor intended that this narrow proposition should be extended to include litigants who received a favorable ruling. Furthermore, we have consistently stressed that litigants have a continuing obligation to draw the attention of the circuit court to the opposing party's violation of any favorable rulings. Extending Bennett would only serve to undermine trial court proceedings and the appeal process by permitting litigants to appeal on barren records when their trial court strategies fail to produce a desirable verdict. Thus, we refuse to relieve the plaintiffs of their duty to object in a timely manner by extending the narrow holding in Bennett to mean that making a motion in limine is sufficient to preserve for appeal any violation of the ruling in limine.

        Similarly, we refuse to impose on the trial courts of this state a monitoring requirement after an in limine order has been entered. Counsel for litigants have the responsibility for bring any violations to the court's attention. Without generalizing too broadly, it is normally the case that this kind of monitoring is the job of counsel and not an already burdened circuit judge. In Waldron v. Waldron, 73 W.Va. 311, 317, 80 S.E. 811, 814 (1913), we stated a trial judge engrossed in many matters and points pertaining to a case of the magnitude of this one should be aided by the vigilant assistance of counsel: "If a party who has made an objection permits it to be forgotten, a waiver should be chargeable to the party." The circumstances justifying an in limine ruling often will change at trial. Problems that can be treated with some confidence in context are often very difficult to solve before other pieces of the puzzle have been assembled. This, we have said, is why circuit courts are reluctant to decide evidentiary questions before trial. In any event, it was the circuit court's responsibility to enforce its pretrial orders, and absent unusual circumstances not now before us, the circuit court's failure to do so due to the failure of counsel to bring the issue to its attention does not furnish us with the basis of concluding the circuit court abused its discretion.

        In this case, we need not evaluate whether the defendants breached the pretrial order or whether the plaintiffs "opened the door" to the discussion of the settlement because their failure to raise an objection to the defendants' questioning waived the issue for further review. An objection would have given the trial court a chance to remedy any breach of the in limine order by striking testimony and instructing the jury to disregard it. Thus, the plaintiffs' failure to object as a part of their trial strategy even precludes our consideration of this alleged error under the plain error rule, State v. Miller, ___ W.Va. ___, ___, ___ S.E.2d ___, ___ (No. 22571, 5/18/95) (Slip op. at 30-36), and most definitely precludes the successor judge from using the plaintiffs' assertions as a basis for the granting of a new trial. Because the successor judge failed to acknowledge the fact that the plaintiffs did not object to the defendants' purported violations in a timely manner, we find the successor judge abused his discretion in ordering a new trial based on this error.

        The plaintiffs specifically object to the use and placement of the word "average" in the instruction. The defendants assert the language of the instruction is derived from Syllabus Point 2 of Schroeder v. Adkins, 149 W. Va. 400, 141 S.E.2d 352 (1965),See footnote 23 and the standard of care is still consistent with the language in the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act, W. Va. Code, 55-7B-1, et seq. However, the plaintiffs assert the word "average" understates the standard of care required under W. Va. Code, 55-7B-3 (1986).See footnote 24 The plaintiffs assert the statute does not include the word "average." Furthermore, even if the word "average" were permissible, the second usage of the word in the instruction ("skill which is possessed and exercised by the average doctor engaged in family or general medicine") permits the jury to infer that it is acceptable for doctors to practice average medicine instead of being held to the higher standard of the average members of the profession in good standing.

        This argument merits little discussion. The formulation of jury instructions is within the broad discretion of a circuit court, and a circuit court's giving of an instruction is reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. A verdict should not be disturbed based on the formulation of the language of the jury instructions so long as the instructions given as a whole are accurate and fair to both parties.See footnote 25 Syllabus Point 6 of Michael v. Sabado, ___ W. Va. ___, 453 S.E.2d 419 (1994), states:
                "'"'Instructions must be read as a whole, and if, when so read, it is apparent they could not have misled the jury, the verdict will not be disturbed, through [sic] one of said instructions which is not a binding instruction may have been susceptible of a doubtful construction while standing alone.' Syl. Pt. 3, Lambert v. Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, 155 W.Va. 397, 184 S.E.2d 118 (1971)." Syllabus Point 2, Roberts v. Stevens Clinic Hospital, Inc., 176 W.Va. 492, 345 S.E.2d 791 (1986).' Syllabus Point 3, Lenox v. McCauley, 188 W.Va. 203, 423 S.E.2d 606 (1992)."
In other words, the adequacy of the charge must be made in the context of the entire trial.

        We agree that the above jury instruction has the potential for confusing the jury by it somewhat convoluted nature and that it slightly misstated the standard of care language of W. Va. Code, 55-7B-3. However, in this case, we find the granting of a new trial was inappropriate because the plaintiffs were not prejudiced by the instruction. Other instructions describe the appropriate standard of care without using the word "average,"See footnote 26 and in combination with the instruction in question should have eliminated any question the jury might have had about the proper standard of care.

        We repeat here that due to the risk of misleading the jury, a circuit court should refrain wherever possible from gratuitously adding language to its charge that is not an element of the claim or defense and that can better be presented to the jury by way of closing argument. Despite this admonition, we need not reverse this verdict. Our review of the entire charge convinces us that any confusion engendered by the inappropriate reference to "average" was offset by the circuit court's careful and clear discussion of the burden of proof. These instructions were adequate to ensure that the jury was informed as to its responsibilities and as to the substantive law standards in this case. Thus, we are unconvinced that the use of the word "average" in this single instruction is such a substantial departure from the legislative intent for the standard of care announced under W. Va. Code, 55-7B-3, that granting a new trial was merited. Although the contested instruction standing alone is "susceptible of a doubtful construction," other instructions read to the jury eliminated any potentially prejudicial effect.

        Thus, we can find no reversible error in the jury charge. Therefore, the successor judge abused his discretion by granting a new trial based on defects in the disputed instruction.

        The cumulative error doctrine was created to permit courts to reverse "[w]here there are numerous violations of fundamental rules that, if considered individually, would probably have no measurable effect on the court but, in cumulative effect, . . . are prejudicial[.]" I Franklin D. Cleckley, Handbook on West Virginia Evidence § 1-7(B)(5) at 48 (1994). The doctrine was designed to provide relief to a party when the combination of errors that are insignificant by themselves prevented the party from receiving a fair trial.See footnote 28 See Syl. pt. 5, in part, State v. Walker, 188 W. Va. 661, 425 S.E.2d 616 (1992) ("'[w]here the record of a criminal trial shows that the cumulative effect of numerous errors committed during the trial prevented the defendant from receiving a fair trial, his conviction should be set aside, even though any one of such errors standing alone would be harmless error.'" (citation omitted)). Although we noted in Riggle v. Allied Chemical Corp., 180 W. Va. 561, 378 S.E.2d 282 (1989), that we had never applied the cumulative error doctrine to civil proceedings, nothing in that opinion or in the nature and purpose of the cumulative error doctrine forecloses the future application of the doctrine to civil cases.

        Therefore, we hold that the cumulative error doctrine may be applied in a civil case when it is apparent that justice requires a reversal of a judgment because the presence of several seemingly inconsequential errors has made any resulting judgment inherently unreliable.

        Although we recognize that the cumulative error doctrine may be used by a circuit court in situations where there are numerous "harmless" errors, as we have frequently noted, the doctrine should be used sparingly. Furthermore, "if the errors . . . are insignificant and inconsequential, the case should not be reversed under this rule." I Franklin D. Cleckley, Handbook on Evidence § 1-7(B)(5) at 49. Additionally, the doctrine can only be applied if there are some errors in the record. See State v. Carrico, 189 W. Va. 40, 427 S.E.2d 474 (1993) (cumulative error doctrine is inapplicable where no errors are present); State v. Clements, 175 W. Va. 463, 334 S.E.2d 600, cert. denied, 474 U.S. 857, 106 S. Ct. 165, 88 L.Ed.2d 137 (1985). As a general rule, we hold that the cumulative error doctrine may be considered and applied when evaluating a party's claim of trial error. However, as discussed above, the successor judge did err in using the doctrine in this case. We find as a matter of law that the conduct and errors relied upon by the successor judge were insufficient alone or in combination to justify setting aside the jury's verdict.

                                            Reversed.

                "A judge shall disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to instances where:
                "(a) the judge has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party's lawyer, or personal knowledge of disputed
evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding;
                "(b) the judge served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy, or a lawyer with whom the judge previously practiced law served during the association as a lawyer concerning the matter, or the judge has been a material witness concerning it;
                "(c) the judge knows that he or she, individually or as a fiduciary, or the judge's spouse, parent or child wherever residing, or any other member of the judge's family residing in the judge's household, has an economic interest in the subject matter in controversy or is a party to the proceeding or has any other more than de minimis interest that could be substantially affected by the proceeding;
                "(d) the judge or the judge's spouse, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person:
                    "(i) is a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director or trustee, of a party;
                    "(ii) is acting as a lawyer in the proceeding;
                    "(iii) is known by the judge to have a more than de minimis interest that could be substantially affected by the proceeding;
                    "(iv) is to the judge's knowledge likely to be a material witness in the proceeding." (Emphasis added).

        "Judges must ascertain how a reasonable person would react to the facts. Problematic
is the fact that judges do not stand outside of the judicial system; they are intimately involved in the process of obtaining justice. Judges who are asked to recuse themselves are reluctant to impugn their own standards. Likewise, judges sitting in review of others do not like to cast aspersions. 'Yet drawing all inferences favorable to the honesty and care of the judge whose conduct has been questioned could collapse the appearance of impropriety standard . . . into a demand for proof of actual impropriety.' . . . Accordingly, we are mindful that an observer of our judicial system is less likely to credit judges' impartiality than the judiciary." United States v. Jordan, 49 F.3d at 156-57. (Citation omitted).

        Modern authorities suggest that no disqualification is necessary where a judge is only being represented in his official capacity. See Jeffrey M. Shaman, Steven Lubet, and James J. Alfini, Judicial Conduct and Ethics § 5.18 at 134-35 (1990) ("[d]isqualification may not be required if the attorney before the judge has represented him or her on the basis of the judge's official acts"). If the disqualification of every judge who is sued in his or her official capacity was required, it would have a substantial impact on available judicial resources. It must be noted that nearly every petition for a writ of prohibition brought to this Court has the unfortunate consequence of naming
the judge as a party and the judge is obliged to obtain personal counsel or leave his defense to one of the litigants appearing before him. See State ex rel. John Doe v. Troisi, ___ W. Va. ___, ___ n.4, ___ S.E.2d ___, ___ n.4 (No. 22817 5/18/95). (Slip op. at 7). This is particularly true when a writ of prohibition is sought on an interlocutory ruling. Should the mere fact that one of the litigants arguing on behalf of the judge have the
consequence of disqualifying the judge from further participation in the case once the prohibition issue has been resolved? We think not and, for reasons discussed, infra, we refuse to adopt a per se recusal rule. Taking this argument one step further, any
lawyer who argues in support of a trial judge's rulings on appeal would disqualify the trial judge from participating in any future cases in which the lawyer appears.

                " Harmless Error. No error in either the admission or the exclusion of evidence and no error or defect in any ruling or order or in anything done or omitted by the court or by any of the parties is ground for granting a new trial or for setting aside a verdict or for vacating, modifying or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to take such action appears to the court inconsistent with substantial justice. The court at every stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or defect in the proceeding which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties."

                "No judgment or decree shall be arrested or reversed for the appearance of either party, being under the age of eighteen years, by attorney, if the verdict (where there is one), or the judgment or decree, be for him and not to his prejudice; or because it does not appear that an issue has been made up on matter alleged in any pleading when, without objection by any party, the case has been tried in the absence of such issue and it is apparent from the record and the evidence (a) that the trial was conducted as if an issue had been made upon such matter, or (b) that no evidence pertaining to such matter was offered and it is reasonably apparent that the parties have treated such matter as waived or abandoned; or for any informality in the entry of the judgment or decree by the clerk; or for the omission of the name of any juror; or because it may not appear that the verdict was rendered by the number of jurors required by law; or any defect, imperfection, or omission in the
pleadings, which could not be properly regarded on any motion under rule twelve of the West Virginia rules of civil procedure for trial courts of record, or on a demurrer in any case in which a demurrer is appropriate."

                "No decree shall be reversed for want of a replication to the answer, where the defendant has taken depositions as if there had been a replication; and when it appears that there was a full and fair hearing on the merits, and that substantial justice has been done, a decree shall not be reversed for want of a replication, although the defendant may not have taken depositions; nor shall a decree be reversed at the instance of a party who has taken depositions, for an informality in the proceedings, when it appears that there was a full and fair hearing on the merits, and that substantial justice has been done."

                "In jury cases, proceedings shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, so as to prevent inadmissible evidence from being suggested to the jury by any means, such as making statements or offers of proof or asking questions in the hearing of the
jury. Where practicable, these matters should be determined upon a pretrial motion in limine."

                "A chiropodist is not required to exercise the highest degree of skill and diligence possible in the treatment of an injury or disease, unless he has by special contract agreed to do so. In the absence of such special contract, he is required to exercise only such reasonable and ordinary skill and diligence as are ordinarily exercised by the average of the members of
the profession in good standing in similar localities and in the same general line of practice, regard being had to the state of medical science at the time."

                "(a) The health care provider failed to exercise that degree of care, skill and learning required or expected of a reasonable, prudent health care provider in the profession or class to which the health care provider belongs acting in the same or similar circumstances[.]"

                "Negligence in this case is the failure to exercise that degree of care, skill, and learning required or expected of a reasonably prudent family practitioner in the same or similar circumstances in which Doctors Chidester and Endress found themselves in their care and treatment of Janet Tennant in 1989. In this case, an act of negligence on the part of those physicians may be referred to as a deviation from the standard of care. Therefore, in this case, negligence may be the performance of an act which a reasonably prudent family practitioner in the same or similar circumstances would not do, or it may be the failure to perform as would a reasonably prudent family practitioner in the same or similar circumstances." (Emphasis added).