Opinion ID: 775226
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Guilt and Penalty Phase Arguments

Text: 103 Petitioner argues that improper closing arguments by the prosecutor at both the guilt and penalty phases of the trial violated due process. Because Petitioner had not presented these arguments on direct appeal, the district court found them to be procedurally barred. It is well settled that a prisoner seeking habeas relief in federal court must have presented the claim upon which he seeks relief to the state appellate courts. Gonzales v. Elo, 233 F.3d 348, 352 (6th Cir. 2000). A habeas petitioner can only overcome procedural default in two instances. First, he can demonstrate cause for the procedural default and actual prejudice resulting from the alleged constitutional error . . . Alternatively, a defendant can show that failure to consider the claim will result in a fundamental miscarriage of justice. Gall v. Parker, 231 F.3d 265, 316 (6th Cir. 2000)(citations omitted). Petitioner in this case has neither attempted to demonstrate cause for failing to raise his closing arguments claims before the Ohio state courts nor show a resulting fundamental miscarriage of justice. Accordingly, this Court may not review his prosecutorial misconduct claims in connection with closing arguments at the guilt and penalty phases of the trial. 10