Opinion ID: 2015103
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 17

Heading: Prosecutor's Improper Remarks

Text: Defendant contends he was denied a fair capital sentencing hearing also because the prosecutor made improper and prejudicial remarks during closing argument. Defendant characterizes the remarks as referring to the victim's rights. This court has held that such argument distracts the jury from its proper focus on the evidence of the defendant's guilt. People v. Smith, 152 Ill.2d 229, 267-68, 178 Ill.Dec. 335, 604 N.E.2d 858 (1992); People v. Kokoraleis, 132 Ill.2d 235, 285, 138 Ill.Dec. 233, 547 N.E.2d 202 (1989). However, the record shows that defendant failed both to contemporaneously object to the remark, and to include the specific alleged error in his post-trial motion. Thus, the issue is waived. Herrett, 137 Ill.2d at 209, 148 Ill.Dec. 695, 561 N.E.2d 1. After reviewing the record, we further conclude that this issue does not warrant our consideration under the plain error rule. See Smith, 152 Ill.2d at 268-69, 178 Ill.Dec. 335, 604 N.E.2d 858; Kokoraleis, 132 Ill.2d at 285, 138 Ill.Dec. 233, 547 N.E.2d 202.