Opinion ID: 2599107
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Characterization of Kleypas as a Race Agitator

Text: Kleypas argues that the prosecutor, in closing argument, improperly told the jury that Kleypas was a race agitator who preyed on weaker inmates. Kleypas argues that this characterization was not based on the evidence and was unfair. This argument is without merit. The prosecutor was referring to his cross-examination of defense expert Dr. Park regarding Kleypas' prison record. During the cross-examination, the prosecutor had highlighted a correctional adjustment checklist that contained the phrases victimizes weaker inmates and agitator about race. The prosecutor then mentioned this checklist in closing argument to rebut Kleypas' alleged mitigating circumstance that he adjusted well to prison life. Kleypas attempts to characterize the argument as an appeal to racism; more specifically, as an appeal raising the specter that Kleypas would start violent race wars if sentenced to prison. It was not. Rather, it was a proper use of the evidence of Kleypas' conduct to rebut Kleypas' assertion that he did well in prison society.