Opinion ID: 2569354
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 30

Heading: Whether the prosecution should have been allowed to make rebuttal closing argument.

Text: After reviewing the legislative history and relevant amendments to section 16-11-103, 6 C.R.S. (1999), we conclude that by repealing and re-enacting section 16-11-103, the General Assembly did not intend to modify the right to rebuttal closing argument. See ch. 4, sec. 1, § 16-11-103(1)(b), 1991 Colo. Sess. Laws, 2d Extraordinary Sess. 8, 9. Absent a compelling reason to the contrary, the prosecution has the last word in a capital sentencing proceeding because it bears the ultimate burden of persuasion. See Clermont v. State, 348 Md. 419, 704 A.2d 880, 893 (1998). The trial court did not err in allowing the prosecution to have rebuttal argument.