Section 25.14 Referring to Victim

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

c. (§25.14) Referring to Victim

The state may not ask jurors to place themselves in the shoes of the victims of crimes. State v. Roberts, 838 S.W.2d 126 (Mo. App. E.D. 1992); State v. Storey, 901 S.W.2d 886 (Mo. banc 1995). The state may not argue that the victim may have been someone “dear and close to us.” State v. Harris, 714 S.W.2d 561 (Mo. App. W.D. 1986).

But it was not plain error or improper personalization for a prosecutor to have the jury sit in silence for five minutes during his argument to...