More Inflammatory Closing Argument

The New Jersey Appellate Division of the Superior Court reversed a conviction in a vehicular homicide case, in part because of the inflammatory closing argument by the prosecutor. The defense had not objected, but the court found plain error. The prosecutor had referred to the defendant as "drunk" and "blotto" in the absence of evidence establishing an inference of intoxication. The arguments that the court deemed improper are quoted in the opinion. (Mike Frisch)