Opinion ID: 1928051
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: assignment of error number twenty-three

Text: Defendant complains that a statement in the prosecutor's closing argument constituted a reference to Albert's failure to testify in his own behalf and justified a mistrial. The comment was: Every man has a right to be silent, but no man has a right to lie. (Tr. 1313) In context, it clearly referred to defendant's pretrial statement and not to his failure to testify. See State v. Frank, 344 So.2d 1039 (La., 1977). This assignment of error is without merit. For the reasons assigned, the conviction and sentence of defendant Dave Albert are affirmed. AFFIRMED. DENNIS, J., concurs, but disagrees with statement of law relative to exclusion of black jurors. CALOGERO, J., concurs.