Opinion ID: 1163403
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 23

Heading: Comment on Guilt.

Text: Brett contends the prosecutor improperly commented on Brett's guilt when he stated the felony murder conviction was a slam dunk. Report of Proceedings vol. 14 (June 11, 1992), at 16. See State v. Reed, 102 Wn.2d 140, 145, 684 P.2d 699 (1984). Brett did not object to this statement at trial. In addition, when taken in context, the comment was not the expression of the prosecutor's personal opinion, but a recognition that Brett had conceded liability on the felony murder charge. The prosecutor first told the jury: With respect to the Felony Murder charge, ladies and gentlemen, I'm not going to spend much time talking about that. Because as you know from the jury selection process, the defense has conceded liability.... Report of Proceedings vol. 14 (June 11, 1992), at 14. Then, the prosecutor stated, Felony Murder is not an issue for your consideration. I guess in the basketball vernacular it's a slam dunk. Report of Proceedings vol. 14 (June 11, 1992), at 16. The comment was not improper under the circumstances of this case.