What is the test for "plain error" in the closing argument of a sexual assault case?

The appellants claim error in certain jury instructions and in the government's closing argument. Since they did not raise these claims at trial, "there must be plain error to afford a basis for reversal." United States v. Perez, 491 F.2d 167, 173 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 419 U.S. 858, 95 S.Ct. 106, 42 L.Ed.2d 92 (1974). It is well settled that "plain error is a highly prejudicial error affecting substantial rights," United States v. Giese, 597 F.2d 1170, 1199 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 444 U.S. 979, 100 S.Ct. 480, 62 L.Ed.2d 405 (1979), and that "(o)nly in exceptional situations will this court reverse a criminal conviction because of plain error." U. S. v. Krasn, 614 F.2d 1229, 1235-36 (9th Cir. 1980).

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B. The Government's Emphasis on "Patently Offensive" in Closing Argument Did Not Constitute Plain Error.

Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15, 24, 93 S.Ct. 2607, 2614, 37 L.Ed.2d 419 (1973), established a three-prong test for determining whether materials are obscene.