Opinion ID: 2054238
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: failure to object to prosecution's closing argument

Text: Appellant's fourth and final argument on appeal is that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to object to portions of the prosecution's closing argument during the penalty phase. Appellant asserts that the failure to object to these remarks resulted in the imposition of an illegal sentence of death because the prosecutor's remarks had severely prejudiced the jury. Appellant's argument, however, has no merit. This Court has previously held that [t]he Commonwealth, during the sentencing phase of a capital case, must be afforded `reasonable latitude' in arguing its position to the jury ... and may employ `oratorical flair' in arguing in favor of the death penalty. Commonwealth v. Basemore, 525 Pa. 512, 528, 582 A.2d 861, 869 (1990), cert. den., ___ U.S. ____, 112 S.Ct. 1191, 117 L.Ed.2d 432 (1992). The Commonwealth is also entitled to fairly respond to closing remarks made by trial counsel. Commonwealth v. Hall, 523 Pa. 75, 565 A.2d 144 (1989); Commonwealth v. Clayton, 516 Pa. 263, 532 A.2d 385 (1987), cert. den., 485 U.S. 929, 108 S.Ct. 1098, 99 L.Ed.2d 261 (1988). In the instant case, Appellant's trial counsel made these closing remarks during the penalty phase: [I]f you give [Appellant] a life term imprisonment, he is not a threat to the community; he is not a threat to you; and more than likely, he is going to remain in jail all of his life. If you feel you must punish him, punish him in that manner. N.T., October 9-10, 1984 at 34. The Commonwealth responded with these allegedly prejudicial remarks: I want to speak to you now on behalf of the prison guards, the social workers, the teachers, the nurses, the refuse haulers, the ordinary people that have to work in a prison. These people need protection too ... Will he stop? That's what you have to ask yourselves. Will he stop in prison, or who is going to be next? It that the kind of man who will do it again? ... Do you think that he is the type of man who would try to use force to escape from prison ... Do you want to put those sheriffs, those pedestrians on the street [in danger]; do you want to take that chance? N.T., October 9-10, 1984 at 36-37. After comparing these particular remarks, as well as the remainder of the parties' closing arguments, we are convinced that Appellant was not prejudiced by this portion of the Commonwealth's closing argument. The Commonwealth argued its position, employed oratorical flair, and fairly responded to remarks made by Appellant's trial counsel. Moreover, we do not believe the cases cited by Appellant compel us to hold otherwise. Compare Brooks v. Francis, 716 F.2d 780 (1983) (prosecutor created frenzied and emotional setting and did not respond to trial counsel remarks); Commonwealth v. Floyd, 506 Pa. 85, 484 A.2d 365 (1984) (prosecutor told jury their lives were threatened); Commonwealth v. Chambers, 528 Pa. 558, 599 A.2d 630 (1991) (prosecutor cited Bible as independent source of law justifying imposition of the death penalty). As such, trial counsel cannot be found to have rendered ineffective assistance of counsel, and Appellant is not eligible for PCRA relief. Accordingly, the Order of the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County is affirmed. MONTEMURO, J., is sitting by designation as Senior Justice pursuant to Judicial Assignment Docket No. 94 R1801, due to the unavailability of ROLF LARSEN, J., see No. 127 Judicial Administration Docket No. 1, filed October 28, 1993.