Opinion ID: 2184959
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Pont 13

Text: Finally, after the arguments were completed appellant moved for a mistrial on the sole ground that counsel for the State characterized the appellant as a person with a Maligned heart and a malicious mind, premising his motion on the theory that this language was intended to inflame the jury. We have no knowledge of the context in which these expressions were used, the appellant not having utilized Rule 74(n) supra. We cannot be expected to decide this issue on a silent record. See Patterson v. Rossignol, 245 A.2d 852 (Me. 1968). Mere unexplained excerpts from the remarks of counsel in argument taken in isolation are insufficient on which to predicate a claim of error. Cody v. State, 376 P.2d 625 (Okl.Cr.1962). In summary, our analysis of the record in its entirety indicates that the appellant was ably defended and his trial was conducted with scrupulous respect for his basic rights. Accepting the State's version of the facts, the evidence thus adduced pointed overwhelmingly in only one direction, namely, that of the guilt of the defendant. The entry is: Appeal denied.