Opinion ID: 1335858
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: prosecutor's axe demonstration

Text: Brisbon argues that the court erred in not granting his motion for a mistrial when the solicitor in closing arguments carried out a prejudicial demonstration using the axe that was the alleged murder weapon. We disagree. The decision to grant or deny a mistrial is within the discretion of the trial judge. The decision of the trial court will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion which results in prejudice to the defendant. State v. Dawkins, 297 S.C. 386, 377 S.E.2d 298 (1989). The test of granting a new trial for alleged improper closing argument of counsel is whether the defendant was prejudiced to the extent that he was denied a fair trial. State v. Durden, 264 S.C. 86, 212 S.E.2d 587 (1975). We do not find that the trial court abused its discretion in this case. The defendant was not prejudiced to the extent that he was denied a fair trial. Accordingly, we reject Brisbon's argument that the trial court erred in allowing this demonstration.