Opinion ID: 1101527
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: improper arguments made by a prosecutor.

Text: ¶ 17. Lee argues the courts have repeatedly held that a prosecutor cannot make conscience of the community arguments during his closing arguments. Lee alleges in the instant case that the State made conscience of the community arguments in its closing arguments. Lee further contends that the State implied his guilt by his failure to testify which is unconstitutionally prejudicial. ¶ 18. In the case at bar, the prosecutor stated: And I am not trying to inflame your sense. I just think she deserves for y'all to hear her speak. I mean, this is her day in court. She is looking to you for justice and the people of Wayne County are looking to you to make this, their streets safer. I mean we cannot have somebody that is going to do this on the streets of Wayne County. ¶ 19. We find that even if the comment the people of Wayne County are looking to you to make this, your streets safer was interpreted as a conscience of the community argument, it was not so egregious as to require reversal based on the facts in the instant case. As determined by this Court, the standard to warrant reversal is whether the error affected a trial in such a way as to bring its fairness into question. Payton v. State, 785 So.2d 267, 270 (Miss.1999). Considering the overwhelming evidence of Lee's guilt, it is inconceivable that this remark prompted the verdict. Dancer v. State, 721 So.2d 583, 590 (Miss.1998). ¶ 20. Lee's allegation that the State implied his guilt by his failure to testify is without merit. The record reflects that Lee did in fact testify on his own behalf. Additionally, the record contains no comment by the State as to Lee's failure to testify. Therefore, Lee's claim as to this issue is meritless. ¶ 21. Lee also alleges that the statement made by prosecutor Webb, And I assure you he is guilty. The record does not reflect any such comment. Moreover, there was no one named prosecutor Webb participating in the instant case. Therefore, Lee has no basis for this issue.