Trial Decisions—Closing Arguments

The Montana Supreme Court reviews a district court's rulings on objections to closing argument content for abuse of discretion.  State v. Cooksey, 2012 MT 226, ¶ 40, 366 Mont. 346, 286 P.3d 1174.  "Closing argument statements are considered in the context of the entire argument.  The defendant must make a timely objection to closing argument statements or the objection is deemed to be waived."  Cooksey, ¶ 40 (internal citations omitted).  However, the Supreme Court may undertake plain error review of closing argument objections not stated at trial if the Court is persuaded that the prosecutor's comments "resulted in a manifest miscarriage of justice, undermined the fundamental fairness of the trial, or compromised the integrity of the judicial process."  Cooksey, ¶ 40; accord State v. Awbery, 2016 MT 48, ¶ 30, 382 Mont. 334, __ P.3d __; State v. Chafee, 2014 MT 226, ¶ 12, 376 Mont. 267, 332 P.3d 240.  Plain error review is discretionary.  Awbery, ¶ 30.