Opinion ID: 1817269
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 26

Heading: did the trial court improperly deny frank, sr.'s motion for rebuttal argument during the penalty phase?

Text: Frank, Sr. asserts this denial was improper because the burden of proof shifts during the penalty phase to the accused to persuade the jury that mitigating circumstances outweigh aggravating circumstances. This premise is without basis in the law. Stated simply, the defendant is not required to prove anything at the sentencing phase. Jordan v. State, 365 So.2d 1198, 1206 (Miss. 1978); Gray v. State, 351 So.2d 1342, 1346 (Miss. 1977). Shouldering no burden of proof, the defendant likewise has no right to rebuttal argument in our jurisprudence. There is no merit in this proposition.