Does a prosecutor's attack on defense witnesses' credibility during closing argument constitute misconduct?
MultiRegion, United States of America
The following excerpt is from White v. Wood, 141 F.3d 1183 (9th Cir. 1998):
As to the prosecutor's attacks on defense witnesses' credibility during closing argument, we have held that "assertions regarding the relative believability of the state and defense witnesses were not representations of ... personal opinion, but inferences drawn from the evidence." Duckett v. Godinez, 67 F.3d 734, 742 (9th Cir.1995). Therefore, the prosecutor's argument did not amount to misconduct.
"The most advanced legal research software ever built."
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.
Other Questions
Does the prosecutor's closing argument in closing argument constitute a comment upon Sanders' failure to take the stand? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
How have the courts interpreted a prosecutor's closing argument in closing argument? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
When a prosecutor recreates the crime from the victim's perspective in his closing argument, can he be found to have committed serious misconduct by using the character as a witness? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does the prosecution have greater leeway in commenting on the credibility of their witnesses when the defense has attacked that credibility? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Does a prosecutor's personal opinion of the credibility of witnesses constitute grounds for habeas relief? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can a prosecutor respond to the defense by vouching for the credibility of a government witness? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is a prosecutor's statement vouching for the credibility of a witness's credibility harmless? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Can the Crown argue that answers obtained on the cross-examination of a witness can be used to attack the credibility of another witness? (Canada (Federal), Canada)
How have the courts treated counsel's closing argument in closing arguments? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
Is there any case law where a prosecutor made eight separate misstatements of witness testimony in closing argument? (MultiRegion, United States of America)
