Opinion ID: 220347
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Richard Curtis's Testimony

Text: Shortly after Tabatha testified, Henness telephoned Curtis and asked him to tell Tabatha that he still loved her and did not hold her testimony against her. During closing argument, the prosecution asserted that this phone call demonstrated the truthfulness of Tabatha's testimony. Henness argues that the prosecution's use of Curtis's testimony constitutes improper vouching for Tabatha's credibility. Henness acknowledges that he did not raise this claim on direct appeal, but argues that the ineffectiveness of his appellate counsel in failing to raise the claim constitutes cause to excuse the procedural default. Regardless, Henness's claim fails on the merits. Improper vouching occurs when a prosecutor supports the credibility of a witness by indicating a personal belief in the witness's credibility thereby placing the prestige of the [State] behind that witness. United States v. Francis, 170 F.3d 546, 550 (6th Cir.1999). Typically, improper vouching involves comments or some implication by the prosecutor that he has some special knowledge of facts not before the jury related to the credibility of a witness. Johnson v. Bell, 525 F.3d 466, 482 (6th Cir.2008). The prosecutor's statement regarding Curtis's testimony does not amount to improper vouching. The entire content of Henness's phone conversation with Curtis was submitted to the jury for their determination of its impact on Tabatha's credibility. Hence, the prosecutor was not suggesting he had special knowledge of facts unavailable to the jury. Moreover, Henness's statements could equally be construed as forgiving Tabatha for testifying falsely against him.