Why was the wholesaler not allowed to raise the sufficiency-of-the-evidence issue in the retailer's federal diversity action?

The correct choice highlights an important aspect of civil procedure regarding the timing and preservation of issues for appeal. In this scenario, the wholesaler was not permitted to raise the sufficiency-of-the-evidence issue because it had not been presented before the jury during the trial. This principle stems from the requirement that parties must raise certain objections or issues during the trial proceedings to preserve them for subsequent review or appeal.

In civil litigation, failing to raise an objection regarding the sufficiency of the evidence before the jury can result in the forfeiture of the right to challenge that issue later on. By not addressing the sufficiency-of-the-evidence issue in a timely manner, the wholesaler effectively waived that argument, meaning it could not be considered on appeal or in a subsequent motion.

Understanding this procedural rule underscores the importance of timely and properly objecting to evidence and issues as they arise during trial, to ensure that a party's rights are protected for potential further legal proceedings.