Opinion ID: 2441637
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Remarks in Closing Argument

Text: During closing argument in the sentencing phase of the trial, the appellant's counsel made the following statement: If you send Mr. Heritage to the penitentiary, you all know what the situation is in the penitentiary right now. They may have to turn a murderer or a rapist out  The prosecutor, without making a formal objection, stated that the argument was improper and unfounded and a false statement. Counsel were asked to approach the bench. During their argument at the bench, the appellant objected on the grounds that the prosecutor was raising his voice, allowing the jury to hear his remarks. The appellant asked for a mistrial. The trial court polled the jury, asking if they had heard any of the bench conference. They had not, and the motion was denied. The court also denied a mistrial motion with regard to the prosecutor's remark that defense counsel had made a false statement. A mistrial is a drastic remedy which should be resorted to only when there has been an error so prejudicial that justice cannot be served by continuing the trial. Kemp v. State, 324 Ark. 178, 919 S.W.2d 943 (1996). Considering that, in this case, the remarks occurred during the sentencing phase, the jury did not hear the remarks emanating from the bench conference, the jury had been instructed that remarks of counsel are not evidence, and no admonition was requested, we uphold the trial court's denial of the mistrial motions. Affirmed.