Is a prosecutor's comment to the jury that a defendant who refused to testify at trial about his failure to testify prejudicial error harmless?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Jeffers, 188 Cal.App.3d 840, 233 Cal.Rptr. 692 (Cal. App. 1987):

Jeffers contends the prosecutor's comments to the jury about his failure to testify constituted prejudicial error under Griffin v. California (1965) 380 U.S. 609, 85 S.Ct. 1229, 14 L.Ed.2d 106. We disagree, finding any error to be harmless.

Jeffers's counsel argued to the jury:

Other Questions


When faced with a prosecutor's comment that a defendant's refusal to testify may constitute a harmless error, is this harmless error? (California, United States of America)
When faced with a prosecutor's comment that a defendant's refusal to testify may constitute a harmless error, is this harmless error? (California, United States of America)
Is a defendant's claim that the trial court's failure to provide him with the means and subpoena witnesses to defend at trial a violation of his Sixth Amendment right to represent himself at trial reversible? (California, United States of America)
Does a prosecutor's comment regarding a defendant's failure to testify on Page 9 constitute prejudicial misconduct? (California, United States of America)
Is a defendant entitled to damages if the prosecutor improperly commented upon defendant's failure to testify? (California, United States of America)
Does a prosecutor's comment on defendant's right not to testify constitute harmless error? (California, United States of America)
Is a defendant's failure to testify at the penalty phase an error not to instruct the jury to refrain from drawing any inference from the fact that defendant did not testify at penalty phase? (California, United States of America)
When a prosecutor makes a brief and mild reference to a defendant's failure to testify without any suggestion that an inference of guilt be drawn there from that reference, is it harmless error? (California, United States of America)
If defendant fails to establish all the errors of the trial court as a cumulative result of the cumulative error, can he continue to argue that the cumulative effect of the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt and mandates reversal? (California, United States of America)
Is a prosecutor wrong to comment on a defendant's failure to testify during closing argument? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.