Opinion ID: 170276
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The OCCA's resolution of the prosecutorial misconduct contentions

Text: In rejecting, Mr. Brown's challenge to the prosecution's behavior, the OCCA observed: Brown cites sixty-eight instances of alleged prosecutorial misconduct. The misconduct alleged includes comments made during voir dire, comments made during first and second stage opening statements and closing arguments, improper questioning of witnesses, and improper presentation of evidence [gruesome photographs] which was not relevant, or the probative value of the evidence was substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. 989 P.2d at 933 (emphasis added). Because defense counsel did not object to most of the prosecution's comments, the OCCA engaged in plain error review of those, and rejected Mr. Brown's contentions. As to those to which defense counsel objected, the trial court did sustain objections to some comments, and the OCCA held that the sustaining of the objections cured any error. 989 P.2d at 934. The OCCA also rejected Mr. Brown's argument that introduction of both diagrams of injuries and of videos of the crime scene was duplicative and cumulative. It concluded that [t]he information was relevant to prove the aggravating circumstances alleged by the State. Id. at 934-35. As to photographs of the crime scene that the prosecution introduced during the first stage, the OCCA held they were relevant (showing the cause of death and the intent of the attacker). They were properly introduced, and thus there can be no prosecutorial misconduct. Id. at 934. As to the photographs of the crime scene and of the deceased that the prosecution introduced during the second stage, the OCCA determined that, without exception, the probative value is not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Id. The OCCA did hold that the introduction of one post-autopsy photograph of the interior of the victim's skull was error. Such photos generally are found to be inadmissible and the prejudicial value is great. Id. The probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice. Id. However, in light of the strength of so much properly admitted evidence, the OCCA found that error to be harmless. Id.