(a) Any error, defect, irregularity or variance which does not affect substantial rights shall be disregarded. (b) Plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the court.
NOTE: Section 130.50 is identical to former Rule 52. See also Fed. R. Crim. P. 52 (same); former §§ 258 and 1404; Cal. Pen. Code §§ 1258, 1404 (substantively the same). See generally 8A Moore, Federal Practice && 52.01-52.03 (1974); B. Witkin, California Criminal Procedure Appeal §§ 681-687; Reversible Error §§ 739-769 (1963, Supp. 1973).