Opinion ID: 2381439
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Statements of Personal Opinion

Text: In closing argument the State sought to downplay inconsistencies in the two victims' testimony by drawing the jury's attention to the similarities in their accounts of the assaults and by emphasizing the honest demeanor of one of the victims while she testified. Ashley contends that these remarks were improper prosecutorial comment on the credibility of a witness. We have repeatedly stated it is improper for a prosecuting attorney to assert an opinion concerning the credibility of a witness. See, e.g., Weisbrode, 653 A.2d at 415-16. Conversely, we also repeatedly have upheld the prosecutor's ability to argue vigorously for any position, conclusion, or inference supported by the evidence. Id. (stating that prosecutor may present an analysis of the evidence with vigor and zeal). The central issue, therefore, when a defendant contends that the prosecutor injected personal opinion into closing argument, is whether the challenged comment reflects an improper personal opinion or is an argument fairly based on the evidence. State v. Moontri, 649 A.2d 315, 317 (Me.1994) (citing State v. Pendexter, 495 A.2d 1241 (Me.1985)). In this case, although varying in some minor details, each victim's testimony was strikingly similar to that of the other with respect to the essential aspects of the assault. Additionally, the prosecutor's request that the jury assess the credibility of one of the victims in light of her demeanor did not bolster improperly the victim's credibility but rather merely reminded jurors they could give more weight to the testimony of a witness they perceived as truthful. The prosecutor's remarks did nothing more than argue on his analysis of the evidence, for [a] position or conclusion with respect to the matters stated therein. Me. Bar R. 3.7(e)(2)(v).