Opinion ID: 2168346
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Cumulative effect of comments

Text: If improper comments about the wealth and power of a corporation are repeated constantly, the error can become incurable and require reversal. Reetz, 330 N.W.2d at 646. The comments in this case do not rise to that level. See, e.g., Duke v. American Olean Tile Co., 400 N.W.2d at 681 (counsel's remarks held improper as tending to inflame prejudice of jurors where he referred to company's executives as sitting in plush paneled corporate offices and sitting at the country club having lunch with no concern for its customers; that money talks and that, though the executives might be snickering now, they would not be doing so if the jury returned a substantial verdict against the corporation); Babcock v. Chesapeake & O. Ry. Co., 83 Ill.App.3d 919, 38 Ill.Dec. 841, 852, 404 N.E.2d 265, 276 (Ill. App.Ct.1980) (statements to effect that case involves a seven-year old child pitted against the entire railroad, against all of their personnel, against all of their train crew, and against anyone and everyone who stands behind the entire railroad). Moreover, the court gave a number of instructions to the jury which mitigated the effects of any improper comments. At the beginning of the trial, the court instructed the jurors that the comments of counsel are not evidence. Prior to closing argument, the court instructed the jury not to make an award on the basis of passion, prejudice or sympathy. It also instructed the jury to consider the case as an action between persons or entities of equal worth and standing in the community and that a corporation is entitled to be treated fairly by them.