Opinion ID: 1103979
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether it was improper and reversible error for the district attorney to inquire of the petitioner as to his post- miranda silence, where petitioner made brief post-arrest statements after which he invoked his right to remain silent.

Text: ¶ 41. Puckett argues that the prosecution committed reversible error during cross-examination by improperly inquiring into the defendant's post- Miranda silence. This identical issue was raised as Puckett's assignment of error VII on his direct appeal before this Court. Puckett v. State, 737 So.2d at 347. This Court agreed with the State's position that the issue was procedurally barred, not only because the defense did not object to the prosecutor's line of questioning, but also because the issue was not raised in Puckett's Motion for New Trial. Id. at 349. However, this Court discussed the merits of Puckett's contention to determine if his fundamental rights had been violated. Id. at 350. This Court ultimately held Puckett's claim to be without merit. Id. ¶ 42. Puckett's attempt to raise this issue again in his motion for post-conviction relief is procedurally barred as res judicata. Miss.Code Ann. § 99-39-21(3); Wiley v. State, 750 So.2d at 1200. As this Court found previously, Puckett is not entitled to relief on this assignment of error.