Opinion ID: 1972198
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: admonition to counsel

Text: We need not consider whether or not reversible prosecutorial misconduct would have been found if there had been a timely objection to any or all of the alleged prejudicial statements. We decide this appeal solely on the issue of waiver for failure to object. In doing so, we admonish the defense bar to be vigilant in asserting objections to perceived prosecutorial misconduct and inadmissible evidence. Defense counsel should weigh carefully the tactical considerations implicated in the decision not to object in view of the likelihood of waiver and the narrow scope of the plain error exception. If objection is made, the trial court may have the opportunity to cure the problem. Indeed, this principle is one of the purposes of the waiver rule. By the same token, the Department of Justice is admonished to weigh carefully the tactics employed by its prosecutors in summation or in offering marginally admissible evidence so as not to risk reversible error by engaging in an excess of zeal and rhetoric.