Opinion ID: 1058311
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 48

Heading: Prosecutorial Misconduct in Guilt Phase

Text: Appellant contends that the prosecutors committed numerous acts of prosecutorial misconduct during their arguments in the guilt phase. [3] When reviewing allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, [t]he general test to be applied is whether the improper conduct could have affected the verdict to the prejudice of the defendant. Harrington v. State, 215 Tenn. 338, 385 S.W.2d 758, 759 (1965); see also State v. Richardson, 995 S.W.2d 119, 127 (Tenn.Crim.App.1998). The factors relevant to the court's determination are: 1. The conduct complained of viewed in light of the facts and circumstances of the case; 2. The curative measures undertaken by the court and the prosecution; 3. The intent of the prosecutor in making the improper arguments; 4. The cumulative effect of the improper conduct and any other errors in the record; and 5. The relative strength and weakness of the case. Nesbit, 978 S.W.2d at 894.