Opinion ID: 2549869
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Issue 5: Did cumulative trial errors substantially prejudice Bryant and deny him a fair trial?

Text: Finally, Bryant claims the cumulative effect of all the trial errors he has alleged denied him his right to a fair trial. Our formulation of the cumulative error rule is set forth in State v. Lumbrera, 252 Kan. 54, Syl. ¶ 1, 845 P.2d 609 (1992). Cumulative trial errors, when considered collectively, may be so great as to require reversal of the defendant's conviction. The test is whether the totality of circumstances substantially prejudiced the defendant and denied the defendant a fair trial. No prejudicial error may be found upon this cumulative effect rule, however, if the evidence is overwhelming against the defendant. We have read the record and considered each of the claims raised by Bryant that are properly before us and upon which he bases his claim of cumulative error. The evidence against him was overwhelming. We conclude that he was not denied a fair trial. Affirmed.