Court Opinion

ID: 9736133
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 18:44:57.451616+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:27:04.599436
License: Public Domain

Mr. JUSTICE BARRY, dissenting: I respectfully dissent from the majority’s reversal of the convictions of the defendants, Whitlow, Brewer, Delfino and Gibson. I disagree with the conclusion of the majority that the alleged misconduct, which is comprised of various statements made by the prosecutor in opening and closing arguments and the prosecutor’s actions, otherwise mandates a reversal and remandment for a new trial. This was a well-handled extended trial complicated by five defendants being tried together and represented by different attorneys. The alleged prejudicial conduct and comments of the prosecutor occurred in the context of a very lengthy, hotly contested and hard-fought trial. As emotions rise in the heat of such a trial the likelihood of injudicious and even unfair conduct or comment occurring is great. However, convictions are not reversed simply because either or both sides made a few comments which would have been better not made. (People v. Harris (1975), 33 Ill. App. 3d 600, 338 N.E.2d 129.) Not every improper conduct or argument should result in reversal of a conviction. As the Illinois Supreme Court has stated, “ ‘Where it appears that improper remarks do not constitute a material factor in the conviction 088 the verdict will not be disturbed.’ People v. Berry (1960), 18 Ill.2d 453, 458.” (People v. Dukett (1974), 56 Ill. 2d 432, 443, 308 N.E.2d 590, 596.) A reviewing court will reverse a conviction only if it determines that the verdict would have been different had the objectionable conduct or remarks not occurred. (People v. Hastings (1979), 72 Ill. App. 3d 816, 390 N.E.2d 1273.) I have reviewed the lengthy record and do not find that the comments and conduct were of such substantial magnitude as to warrant a new trial in this case. The allegedly improper conduct and comments did not substantially prejudice the defendants, nor, did they constitute, either individually or collectively, a material factor from which the convictions resulted. The evidence of guilt was overwhelming, and the briefs of some of the defendants suggest the guilt of others. Any effect of the complained-of conduct and comments upon the jury was insignificant and did not result in prejudicing the defendants or in depriving them of a fair trial. As has often been said, defendants cannot expect a perfect trial. I do not believe the argued conduct or comments influenced the jury in returning the guilty verdicts. “Where there is clear and convincing evidence of guilt, such comments will not require a reversal where it does not appear that they prejudicially influenced the jury or that the verdict would have been otherwise had the remarks not been made.” Harris, 33 Ill. App. 3d 600, 605, 338 N.E.2d 129, 133. I find no reversible error and would affirm the judgments of conviction.