Section 25.25 When Improper Argument Is Reversible Error

• Library: Criminal Practice 2012 Supp

D. (§25.25) When Improper Argument Is Reversible Error

The court has wide latitude in controlling the scope of the closing argument and what constitutes permissible references. Unless this discretion is clearly abused to the prejudice of the accused, the trial court’s rulings will not be disturbed on appeal. State v. Castillo, 853 S.W.2d 381 (Mo. App. E.D. 1993). To be reversible error, the argument must have a “decisive effect on the jury,” State v. Plummer, 860 S.W.2d 340 (Mo. App. E.D. 1993), or, as...