Opinion ID: 2511701
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: The Prosecutor referred to Sweet's actions as an assault or sexual assault.

Text: [¶ 50] Sweet's last contention is that it was error for the prosecutor to refer to Sweet's actions as a sexual assault or an assault. As in Sweet's argument concerning Jury Instruction No. 11, the basis for this argument is that he was charged with the crime of sexual abuse of a minor and not sexual assault. However, the crime for which he was charged is contained within Article Three of Chapter Two of the Wyoming Criminal Code of 1982, which is entitled Sexual Assault. [¶ 51] Moreover, we find that common definitions of the terms assault and sexual assault show that, although the statutory title of the particular crime for which Sweet was convicted may not include the word assault, SM was nonetheless subjected to an assault: assault, n. 1. Criminal & tort law. The threat or use of force on another that causes that person to have a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact; the act of putting another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of an immediate battery by means of an act amounting to an attempt or threat to commit a battery. Black's Law Dictionary 130 (9th ed.2009). sexual assault.... 2. Offensive sexual contact with another person, exclusive of rape. Id. at 131. We hold it was not error for the prosecutor to refer to Sweet's actions as an assault or a sexual assault, as those are proper descriptions of his alleged conduct, although not the specific name of the crime. Therefore, Sweet has failed to show an error that can be considered in a cumulative error analysis. [¶ 52] In conclusion, we hold that no error occurred with respect to any of Sweet's claims, and none of the trial events he has challenged carried any potential to prejudice him or otherwise affect the outcome of his trial. Therefore, his cumulative error claim fails. [¶ 53] Reversed and remanded for a new trial.