Opinion ID: 2274302
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Plain Error Review of Closing Arguments

Text: Statements made in closing argument will rarely amount to plain error, and any assertion that the trial court erred for failure to intervene sua sponte overlooks the fact that the absence of an objection by trial counsel may have been strategic in nature. Cole, 71 S.W.3d at 171. Plain error relief is seldom granted on assertions of error relating to closing argument because absence of an objection and request for relief during closing argument means that any intervention by the trial court would have been uninvited and may have caused increased error. State v. Silvey, 894 S.W.2d 662, 670 (Mo. banc 1995). Johnson's plain error claims relating to closing arguments need not be considered unless he shows there is a sound, substantial manifestation, a strong, clear showing, that injustice or miscarriage of justice will result if relief is not given. State v. Wood, 719 S.W.2d 756, 759 (Mo. banc 1986) (internal citations omitted). It is not necessary to determine the propriety of the prosecutor's closing remarks in this case. When manifest injustice is the standard, improper argument results in reversal of a conviction only if it is established that the argument in question had a decisive effect on the jury's determination. State v. Wren, 643 S.W.2d 800, 802 (Mo. banc 1983). The defendant bears the burden to prove the decisive significance. State v. Parker, 856 S.W.2d 331, 333 (Mo. banc 1993). In light of the evidence presented in this case, Johnson fails to show how the prosecutor's comments had a decisive effect on the jury's verdict.