Opinion ID: 2551874
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Defense Counsel's Comments

Text: Plaintiffs complain the district court erred by allowing defense counsel's opening statement comment that Calvert did not have his lights on before the accident. Newman responds that Christopherson would have testified to that effect; therefore, it had a reasonable belief that testimony would support the opening statement. It is unclear why Christopherson was not called to testify. While we do not condone Newman's decision not to call Christopherson, there is no reversible error here. The fact at issue was both relevant and provable. Christopherson said in her written statement that Calvert's lights were not on when he hit the athletes. Her statement was known by plaintiffs before trial. Plaintiffs fail to specify how counsel's comment prejudiced their cases. Again, the prejudice, if any, goes to Calvert, not plaintiffs. Furthermore, plaintiffs did not preserve this issue for appeal. Howell states in her brief that the statement in question was made over objection from counsel. A review of the record reveals no objection.