Opinion ID: 2110800
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Improper Argument at Sentencing

Text: We also reject defendant's contention that the prosecutor's closing argument at sentencing deprived him of a fair and reliable death penalty hearing. The prosecutor argued that [t]he time to impose punishment upon the defendant is here. He claims to like jail. So sentencing him to jail would be a reward and not a punishment. Defendant argues that the prosecutor improperly urged the jurors to consider evidence of defendant's good adjustment to prison as a basis for a sentence of death as this was actually relevant evidence in mitigation of punishment. As discussed above, however, there was overwhelming evidence presented at the sentencing phase of the trial. Even if the remark during closing argument was improper, we do not believe that it substantially prejudiced the defendant. Thus, defendant's claim must fall.