Opinion ID: 487837
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Comments by Bowles During Final Argument

Text: 28 LaChance and Cepeda argue that the district court erred in not granting a mistrial as to them on grounds that Bowles, in his pro se closing argument, improperly vouched for the credibility of a government witness, argued facts not in evidence, and made inflammatory comments. 29 The district court's diligent instruction of the jury throughout Bowles' pro se summation abrogated any prejudice which may have affected the co-defendants' verdicts. The court informed the jury that it had granted Bowles' request to present his own closing argument. Transcript at 1542-1543. The court emphasized that Bowles had been cautioned not to use the opportunity to testify on his own behalf, 4 and underscored this point by instructing them that the final arguments do not constitute evidence. Transcript at 1544. At each juncture at which Bowles made an improper comment, the court interrupted him to give the jury the appropriate cautionary instruction. 5 The court's persistence, and the lack of any basis upon which to conclude that the jury could not comprehend the court's instructions, precludes a finding of compelling prejudice warranting reversal of the district court's denial of severances for LaChance and Cepeda. 30
31 LaChance further argues that the court's reference to Bowles' failure to testify in an instruction given to the jury during his closing argument impermissibly commented upon LaChance's right not to testify. However, it is clear that this admonition referred to Bowles alone. 32 Following two comments made by Bowles, 6 the court addressed the jury as follows: 33 I have told Mr. Bowles earlier--and this is a difficult situation. This is not usual, ladies and gentlemen, and now I'll tell you that he had an opportunity to testify under oath where he could have been cross-examined by the prosecution. He chose not to do that, and therefore, anything he says is not evidence in the case. It's not sworn testimony. 34 Transcript at 1593. 35 This comment merely placed Bowles' argument in perspective by noting that its substance was not to be taken as evidence. It did not comment upon Bowles' right to remain silent or, by implication, LaChance's right to do so. Cf. Diecidue, 603 F.2d at 553. 36