What is the scope of a prosecutor's closing argument in a criminal case?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Cappello, A148470 (Cal. App. 2019):

"A criminal prosecutor has much latitude when making a closing argument. Her argument may be strongly worded and vigorous so long as it fairly comments on the evidence admitted at trial or asks the jury to draw reasonable inferences and deductions from that evidence." (People v. Seumanu (2015) 61 Cal.4th 1293, 1330.) A prosecutor "has the right to fully state his views as to what the evidence shows and to urge whatever conclusions he deems proper. Opposing counsel may not complain on appeal if the reasoning is faulty or the deductions are illogical because these are matters for the jury to determine." (People v. Lewis (1990) 50 Cal.3d 262, 283.)

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