Opinion ID: 1201386
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Psychopath Remark

Text: In closing, the prosecutor stated, When Mr. Henry was testifying all day Friday, did the word psychopath ever come to mind? The trial judge sustained an objection to the remark, but denied a mistrial. The court properly sustained the objection. Within the wide latitude of closing argument, counsel may comment on the vicious and inhuman nature of defendant's acts, but may not make arguments that appeal to the passions and fears of the jury. State v. Comer, 165 Ariz. 413, 426, 799 P.2d 333, 346 (1990). Denying the mistrial, however, was not an abuse of discretion. See State v. Hansen, 156 Ariz. 291, 297, 751 P.2d 951, 957 (1988) (standard of review). The record supports the judge's determination that this comment, made during nine days of testimony and arguments, over a total period of three weeks, did not influence the verdict and was not so egregious as to deny Henry a fair trial. See State v. Dumaine, 162 Ariz. 392, 403, 783 P.2d 1184, 1195 (1989).