Opinion ID: 77852
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Closing Argument: Burden Shifting

Text: Foley next complains that the prosecutor shifted the burden of proof during closing argument, but Foley's failure to object means that we review for plain error. For there to be plain error, there must (1) be error, (2) that is plain, (3) that affects the substantial rights of the party, and (4) that seriously affects the fairness, integrity, or public reputation of a judicial proceeding. Brough v. Imperial Sterling Ltd., 297 F.3d 1172, 1179 (11th Cir.2002). Foley cannot satisfy this burden. Foley complains about two parts of the prosecutor's argument. First, during his initial closing argument, the prosecutor argued that the jury would have to choose whether it would believe the government's version of the events or Foley's version: Like I said earlier, we bear the burden of proof. It's up to us to prove to you beyond a reasonable doubt the government's case. The defendant doesn't have to put on a case, doesn't have to say anything, doesn't have to put on any witnesses, certainly doesn't have to testify himself. In this case, obviously the defendant did put on a case and he did testify. He put out there his story, his explanation. So, as the jury, you now are left to choose. Do you choose the government's case, the government's evidence and facts and witnesses, Global['s] . . . own records; or do you take the story of the one person who has the most to gain by coming in here and making up a story? Let's be clear, if you are going to believe what the defendant says happened, then you have to believe that all the investors are lying. Second, during his rebuttal closing argument, the prosecutor asked the jury, [D]id you see one investor, one called by Mr. Foley, who came in here and said there was a shared location program before July of 2003? The prosecutor made this statement after he reminded the jury that the government bore the burden of proof. Foley's argument fails. Both of these comments in closing arguments were made in the context of the prosecutor's accurate reminder to the jury about the burden of proof. In that light, Foley cannot establish plain error.