Opinion ID: 1810649
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Failure to present effective closing argument

Text: ¶ 96. Crawford uses this sub-issue to state his displeasure with one member of counsel's closing argument. He objects to counsel's argument that the jury should not give the death penalty because that is exactly what Crawford wanted. Instead, Crawford claims that counsel should have presented mitigating evidence before the jury and should have made a strong argument for life. ¶ 97. The record is clear in this case that mitigating evidence was presented through the testimony of family members and expert testimony of Dr. Webb. In addition, the record is equally clear that the other member of counsel gave a strong argument in favor of life. Therefore, this issue is basically a heading under which Crawford is simply expressing his displeasure with one member of counsel's argument strategy. Crawford's opinion, however, is not a sufficient basis for a claim of ineffective assistance. This claim is without merit.