Witnesses assail judge's behaviour Sep 12, 2008
In a closing argument, Chris Paliare a lawyer for Judge Cosgrove said that his client has flatly admitted to making numerous errors and acting inappropriately. Whether those actions are tantamount to actual judicial misconduct is for the CJC to decide, Mr. Paliare said. (Globe and Mail)
Prosecutor: UA student's slaying premeditated Sep 12, 2008
Assistant public defender John O'Brien suggested that his closing argument will tie the pieces of his theory together - that Harrison killed Henderson in self-defense. Police detectives found a note in the room, supposedly written by a distraught Henderson agonizing over falsely accusing Harrison of stealing from her. (AZCentral -- News)
Guilty verdict in restaurateur's slaying Sep 9, 2008
Defense attorney Howell Clements told jurors in a closing argument that Luck, 51, was shot in the van when he tried to wrestle a gun away from one of Taylor s two co-defendants. Prosecutors told jurors that Taylor fired the shot that fatally wounded Luck. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Chester man convicted in rape Sep 8, 2008
Defense attorney Kevin Wray in his closing argument charged that sex was consensual and labeled the victim as a "liar." Barker did not take the stand. In her closing, Kim lauded the child's actions and called the mother a "survivor." The prosecutor told the jury the victim was fortunate that her daughter was there to save her that night. (The Delaware County Times, PA)
A Pit Bull With Lipstick Sep 5, 2008
But we already knew Rudy could deliver a speech - even one which sounded like it was a closing argument to a jury in a case against a major criminal. Sarah, on the other hand had two burdens: One, her speech last Friday from Dayton was so good that she had set the personal speech bar pretty high. (Townhall.com)
Inmate convicted in '74 killing Sep 5, 2008
During closing arguments earlier this week, Gunderson told jurors that Sims, who lived in Ortega's neighborhood at the time of her death, had raped Ortega before he killed her ... During his closing argument, Baly asked jurors to question the DNA evidence against his client, saying it was too old and had been contaminated. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Rapist called calculating killer Sep 4, 2008
"The killer of these women did not leave their fate to chance. The method of attack was designed, unambiguously, to bring the immediate deaths of the victims. There was nothing half-hearted or unclear about the killer's intent," Meehan said in his closing argument in Oakland before Judge Jeffrey Horner. McKnight could be sentenced to death if he is convicted of five counts of murder along with special circumstances of murder committed in the course of rape, murder in the course of sodomy and... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Jury deliberates in trial for 2006 shooting death Sep 3, 2008
In his closing argument to jurors, Patterson didn't say Shepard - a 39-year-old Hurricane Katrina refugee - pulled the trigger to kill Lumpkin, but he said he helped make the murder happen and should be punished as though he was the killer. Prosecutors have said Shepard and Eric Martin Hassel killed Lumpkin in 2006 in revenge for robbing Highland Park Drive resident Terrence White. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Scott man is found guilty in murder of his wife Sep 3, 2008
In closing arguments before Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning yesterday, the defense attorney and prosecutor both painted a picture of Mr. Lanz, 42, as a despicable character who had talked to friends about killing his estranged wife and, after she was slain, helped a friend dispose of her body ... In her closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Stephie Ramaley told jurors Mr. Lanz had the motive to kill Ms. Lanz because their marriage had fallen apart and she wanted him out of the... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Flacco makes case to be the starter Aug 30, 2008
By PublisherDate: Aug 29, 2008 BALTIMORE -- Joe Flacco made a fairly convincing closing argument about his worthiness for the Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback job, outplaying fellow rookie first-round draft pick Matt Ryan. Flacco displayed just enough encouraging potential and confidence that the big rookie may ultimately be awarded the position by default. (BynersInsider.com)
Clinton Impeachment Prosecutor Appointed to Florida Supreme Court Aug 29, 2008
In his closing argument Canady equated lying about the affair with lying about sexual harassment. "He sat there in the White House, and then he put on his most sincere face," Canady said. (Law.com)
MILITARY: Marine not guilty in Fallujah slayings Aug 29, 2008
The act is primarily aimed at civilians who commit crimes overseas, but also allows federal prosecutions against former service members accused of what Behnke had called in his closing argument a "war crime." ... McDermott said during his closing argument that a conviction would send a dangerous message to troops on the battlefield. (North County Times)
Pedophile Sentenced to Death for Murdering 9-Year-Old Idaho Boy Aug 29, 2008
Duncan acted as his own attorney but had offered no response to prosecutors' closing argument ... In closing arguments, Whelan reminded the jury of Duncan's lifelong "pattern of violence," including a conviction for raping a boy at gunpoint in 1980. (Fox News -- Politics)
Ex-Marine acquitted in prisoners' deaths Aug 29, 2008
Defense attorney Kevin McDermott stressed to jurors in his closing argument that the prosecution offered no names or identifications for the four alleged victims. He asked the judge to dismiss the allegations on the basis that the government had failed to fulfill a legal obligation to prove that a "particular human being" had been killed. (Seattle Times)
Mistrial is declared in Vt. abuse case Aug 28, 2008
When church lawyer Tom McCormick made reference to it in his closing argument Monday, O'Neill moved for a mistrial but Katz refused the request ... Just before closing arguments, one juror was dismissed because Katz said he had been sleeping through much of the testimony. (Boston Globe)
Duncan given death sentence Aug 28, 2008
"He earned this day. His actions ... call out for the death penalty." Duncan acted as his own attorney but had offered no response to prosecutors' closing argument. "I have no argument," he told the court. (Montana Standard, MT)
Hollywood wiretaps case, the sequel Aug 27, 2008
In his closing argument, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Saunders played a phone conversation for jurors in which Pellicano told attorney Terry Christensen that all the information he will be gathering will be kept between them ... Pellicano, who was convicted of illegal wiretapping and racketeering in a separate case this year, represented himself and was expected to make his own closing argument. (CNN)
Jury Rules Duncan Eligible For Death Penalty Aug 23, 2008
The verdict was not surprising after Duncan's closing arguments, in which he told the jurors they didn't yet "have a clue" about the depth of his "heinousness." ... "I should actually thank the government for helping me get my eye for an eye by showing you the evidence that you've seen, the videos," Duncan said during his closing argument Friday. (KIRO TV, WA)
Jury says man not guilty in pub fight Aug 23, 2008
During the defense s closing argument Thursday, Zohlmann said Shaffer was mistaken regarding who cut him ... During his closing argument, Offenhartz pointed out Garcia lied to police during the investigation when he said he did not have a knife. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Tense campaign for State Attorney heats up when candidates meet in Mandarin Aug 17, 2008
Both rose to answer questions, sometimes pointing energetically as if offering a closing argument to a jury. Statistics used by one would sometimes be contradicted by the other. (Florida Times-Union)
Jury Clears Osteen's Wife of Assault Charges Aug 15, 2008
In his closing argument earlier Thursday after a weeklong trial, Rusty Hardin, Victoria Osteen's attorney, described the incident as a verbal dispute, and labeled Brown's claims that she suffered injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder a "sacrilege" and a "blasphemy." ... In his closing argument, McKamie told jurors that because of her status as a religious leader, Victoria Osteen felt she had "favor from God." That led her to believe she was above reproach for humiliating and assaulting... (Fox News)
Texas jury rejects lawsuit against Osteen's wife Aug 15, 2008
In his closing argument earlier Thursday, Hardin described the incident as a verbal dispute, and labeled Brown's claims that she suffered injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder a "sacrilege" and a "blasphemy.". The jury's foreman, Gilles Labbe, said he and other jurors believed what happened on the plane was only a minor dispute between a passenger and one or more of the flight attendants. (Anchorage Daily News)
Sweet redemption for pastor's wife Aug 15, 2008
In his closing argument earlier Thursday after a weeklong trial, Rusty Hardin, Victoria Osteen s attorney, described the incident as a verbal dispute, and labeled Brown s claims that she suffered injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder a sacrilege and a blasphemy ... In his closing argument, McKamie told jurors that because of her status as a religious leader, Victoria Osteen felt she had favor from God. (KHOU.com, TX)
Jury Convicts Wright Aug 14, 2008
He was running away in the dark, Tapley told jurors during his closing argument. When he couldn t identify anybody else, he just picked out Rico Wright and said it was him. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Jury weighs fate of head of disputed Kansas tribe Aug 13, 2008
In his closing argument, Kerns noted that Webber told subordinates to stop telling people that tribal membership equaled citizenship ... Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson told jurors in his closing argument that the evidence showed Webber had been told repeatedly that his group could not grant legal immigration status. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Cook's next start gets bumped back Aug 13, 2008
Finally, head trainer Keith Dugger presented the closing argument to Cook (14-8, 3. 87 ERA), who was convinced to delay his next start to the weekend or early next week. (MLB.com -- Colorado Rockies)
Defendant Represents Himself And Finds Time to Flirt in Court Aug 13, 2008
I just want to get to the closing arguments. Smith explained the legal protocol that restricts closing arguments to testimony presented during the trial ... In his closing argument, Harris told the jury, Mr. Harris had nothing to do with this case. (Dublin Courier Herald, GA)
Jury Deliberates Verdict In Torture Case Aug 11, 2008
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Cooper told jurors in her closing argument that Lewis beat and strangled Hasegawa because she wouldn't perform a sex act on him ... By the summer of 2005, their methamphetamine addiction was so bad "that neither of them could stop this tragedy," Humphrey said in her closing argument. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Suspect convicted in death of Pa. police officer Aug 9, 2008
Riveras lawyer, Jay M. Nigrini, said in his closing argument Friday that Rivera feared for his life. Rivera did not know Wertz was a police officer, Nigrini said repeatedly. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Man charged in Ormond kidnapping, robbery found guilty Aug 9, 2008
"He was the vicious one, the ringleader." Assistant State Attorney Tiffany Stucker told jurors in her closing argument in the courtroom of Senior Judge H. Pope Hamrick Jr. Charles' sentencing for kidnapping and home invasion will come in a hearing not yet scheduled. Charles, 23, faces up to life in prison. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Bin Laden's driver sentenced to 5 1/2 years Aug 8, 2008
"Take one second to think of the victims of Mr. Hamdan's support of terrorism," Murphy said in a closing argument that cast Hamdan as a committed extremist and included graphic images of terrorist attacks ... "One of the things that makes us unique is we don't sentence based on passion; we sentence based on law," Swift said in his closing argument in the sentencing phase of the trial. (Boston Globe)
Tucson mother convicted in boy's death Aug 6, 2008
Jensvold told jurors in his closing argument that Marsh probably snapped because she wasn't taking her medications for depression and wasn't giving Brandon his, which caused him to be more hyperactive than usual. Jensvold discounted testimony by Marsh regarding Marsh's fear of a murderous satanic cult that was supposedly after her and her son. (FOX 11, AZ)
Jurors to resume deliberations at Gitmo Aug 5, 2008
In closing arguments Monday, prosecutors said Hamdan's service to the al-Qaida chief over five years in Afghanistan helped his boss execute terrorist plots including the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington ... Brian Mizer, said in his closing argument that Hamdan offered to provide "critical details" under an undisclosed arrangement described in secret testimony Thursday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Bin Laden driver trial jury out Aug 5, 2008
In closing arguments, the prosecution said he played a "vital role" in the conspiracy behind the 9/11 attacks ... In its closing argument, the prosecution described Mr Hamdan as a loyal supporter of Osama Bin Laden, who protected the al-Qaeda leader knowing his goals included killing Americans. (BBC News)
Jury out on Osama driver Aug 5, 2008
In its closing argument, the prosecution described Hamdan as a facilitator of al-Qaeda and an enthusiastic Bin Laden supporter ... The closing arguments came after two weeks of evidence, including a series of prosecution witnesses mostly FBI investigators who testified that Hamdan co-operated extensively with al-Qaeda. (iAfrica.com)
Porter case with jurors Aug 2, 2008
FRIDAY'S ACTION: Defense attorney Kirk McAllister delivered his closing argument; Deputy District Attorney John R. Mayne gave a rebuttal; jurors began their deliberations ... As he delivered a closing argument in Stanislaus County Superior Court, a defense attorney said an agricultural museum at the center of a high-profile murder trial was a work in progress that evolved, then stalled, even though former pastor Howard "Doug" Porter gave it all he had ... In his closing argument Thursday, Mayne... (Modesto Bee, CA)
Prosecutor calls Porter a con man, murderer Aug 1, 2008
As he delivered his closing argument in a high-profile murder trial Thursday in Stanislaus County Superior Court, a prosecutor showed three photos of elderly rancher Frank Craig and warned jurors to discount anything former pastor Howard "Doug" Porter said when he testified. The first photo showed a smiling man in a straw hat who had entrusted his fortune to Porter, because Porter promised his church would help build a museum to commemorate the way things used to be in Hickman. (Modesto Bee, CA)
2 guilty in McKeesport woman's rape Aug 1, 2008
In her closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer DiGiovanni said, "There is nothing consensual about what happened in that house that night.". Daniel Malloy can be reached at or 412-263-1731. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Hazelwood man guilty of raping 3 young girls Aug 1, 2008
In his closing argument, prosecutor Chris Hoffman compared Frank Pruitt, accused of raping three girls as young as 7, to a convenience store. Instead of food deliveries, Mr. Pruitt received young girls. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ruling in NC's pollution lawsuit is weeks away Jul 31, 2008
James Gulick, senior deputy attorney general, said in his closing argument that history shows the utility invests in emissions control technology only when forced by government rules or court orders. TVA lawyer Frank Lancaster asked Thornburg to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the state hadn't provided evidence to support it. (The Daily Reflector)
It's time to flee the heat... Jul 26, 2008
It's time to flee the heat. An Atlanta blog with a little bit of opinion about a lot of things. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Aloha man who killed pit bull with sword & machete aquitted Jul 26, 2008
"A dog died for nothing," Brant said, her voice rising during her closing argument. Ramirez "knew his dog wasn't being killed and instead he did this," she continued, smacking the table with the machete. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Accomplice on trial for deaths of friends Jul 25, 2008
These dueling portraits of Renato Hughes emerged Thursday during closing arguments in his murder trial, which began more than a month ago in a Martinez courtroom ... Hanlon managed to get Nazi Germany, the witch hunts of the McCarthy era, the movie "Home Alone" and the lynchings of black people in the South into a wide-ranging closing argument that lasted more than three hours. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Two found guilty of torturing witness Jul 25, 2008
Assistant District Attorney Dan Lynch ended his closing argument by playing a tape of Green calling 911 as he ran to a gas station. Both Greene and Roberts were convicted of assault and witness tampering. (Albany Times Union)
Jury deadlocks in off-duty cop assault case Jul 24, 2008
During her closing argument, Crawford pointed out that Montgomery was the only person who testified seeing Cutrell's gun during the altercation. Other witnesses told the court Cutrell had his hands raised above his waist before being struck. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Edgewater man guilty of murder Jul 22, 2008
"Make no mistake," prosecutor Matt Foxman told jurors in his closing argument ... During closing arguments Monday, Bradshaw rocked back and forth in his chair, sometimes dropping his eyes beneath his wire-framed eyeglasses. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Zajac found guilty of cutting road Jul 7, 2008
Much of Stokes' closing argument was conveying to the jury that North Dakota Century Code 24-12-01, Injury to highways, does not allow for any exceptions. It clearly states it is unlawful to cut a road without proper permission and Stokes said testimony indicated that Zajac did not have that. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Retrial in Daytona murder ends with hung jury Jul 3, 2008
"To this defendant, Ogard Smith was a snitch, and he was a snitch who deserved to die because he came to a court of law and testified against his homeboy," Davis said in his closing argument ... "Remember, the state has the burden in this case," Dees told the jury in his closing argument. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Teen says he killed clerk in Mt. Oliver Jul 3, 2008
Co-defense counsel Veronica Brestensky, of the Office of Conflict Counsel, told Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning in her closing argument: "I don't think I need to explain to the court how unusual a situation we all just witnessed: A defendant confessing to the crime he's charged with ... [He] takes the stand and says, 'I did it. I wish I could take it all back.' ". She asked that the judge show mercy on Mr. Hancock, who was 16 at the time of the robbery, because he eventually turned himself... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Victim's Relatives Lash Out At Her Killer Jul 2, 2008
Stefanson's attorney, Ted Berry, said in his closing argument that prosecutors had proved nothing beyond a reasonable doubt except for a charge that his client illegally possessed a firearm. Police have said two Oakland homes used by Stefanson reminded them of the setting in "The Silence of the Lambs," the 1991 movie in which a psychopathic serial killer imprisons and skins his victims. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
The fading line between free speech and libel Jul 2, 2008
4-million in damages to an Ontario quarry owner after Mr. Porter pled, wept and rasped in a dramatic closing argument that his client deserved to "die with his name cleared of this infamy." (The damages were later reduced on appeal. . (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
Bedford jury gets murder case Jun 29, 2008
His eyes wide and his voice shrill, Mr. Clark stood and loudly interrupted his own attorney's closing argument to the jury. As the seven men and five women on the jury stared in confusion, Mr. Clark ranted about getting a passage he had written in a letter put into the trial record. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ex-Fresno lawyer's trial set to go to jurors today Jun 27, 2008
"This poor man was mentally ill," J. Tony Serra said during his closing arguments in Fresno County Superior Court ... Dozens of defense attorneys, prosecutors and at least one judge crammed into the courtroom audience Thursday to watch Serra's nearly three-hour closing argument. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
TELLING THE TRUTH? Jun 25, 2008
"We have two people with all the motive in the world to lie," defense attorney Scott Finckenauer said during his closing argument, referring to the state's key witnesses. One of the witnesses was Richard Salcedo, Shannon's alleged getaway driver, who has pleaded guilty to armed robbery and faces up to 20 years in prison in a deal with prosecutors to drop a felony murder charge in exchange for his testimony against Shannon. (NJ.com)
Conviction in Curious George murder Jun 25, 2008
In closing arguments, Slater told the jury that Puglisi was guilty of first-degree murder if Shalleck's slaying was premeditated, or if he was a principal to the killing while committing another crime ... He spent much of his closing argument playing portions of a tape recorded statement that Puglisi made to investigators in which he made Slater's points for him. (The Palm Beach Post)
Defense argues that LA rail disaster wasn't murder Jun 24, 2008
Speaking in the voice of his client, a defense attorney Monday delivered a closing argument in which a murder defendant admitted to jurors that he caused a deadly commuter rail disaster, but insisted he never intended to kill anyone but himself. "My name is Juan Alvarez. I caused an accident that killed a lot of people," began attorney Thomas Kielty. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Defense claims murder-suicide in Briton's trial Jun 24, 2008
But a prosecutor said in his closing argument that Neil Entwistle killed his wife and daughter because he was dissatisfied with his sex life, despondent about not being able to find a job and wanted to start a new life. Entwistle, 29, is charged with fatally shooting his wife, Rachel, 27, and daughter, Lillian Rose, in their Boston-area home in January 2006. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Jury hears closings in murder-for-hire case Jun 24, 2008
In his closing argument yesterday morning, James Brescia's attorney painted a portrait of a devoted father who wanted to send a message to his estranged wife's boyfriend, and had no idea paying $1,000 to a convicted murderer would lead to Ed Schiller's death ... After 13 days of testimony from 70 witnesses, yesterday's closing arguments in Middlesex Superior Court brought more than 40 spectators and elicited subdued but emotional reactions from Schiller's friends and family. (Newton Tab, MA)
The verdict: Candidates nearly even in key trials Jun 22, 2008
In the first murder case against former USS Stark sailor Walter Taylor in 1991, Corey and her co-counsel were criticized by the 1st District Court of Appeal for "prosecutorial misconduct" including: mocking Taylor's insanity defense as a "copout," asking improper questions to circumvent the judge's ruling about inadmissible evidence and striking a table with the murder weapon during closing arguments ... Plotkin had two cases reversed, one in which the Florida Supreme Court criticized him and... (Florida Times-Union)
Jury: Ex-deputy didn't rob drug dealer Jun 21, 2008
Graziano said in her closing argument that Walton never obtained information from the police database and never agreed to any compensation for the crime. After the verdict, Graziano said Walton, who was fired in September, should be given his job back. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Man guilty in club murder Jun 21, 2008
In her closing argument, Case reiterated that Mosqueda didn't deserve to die. "Mario Mosqueda was a homosexual," she said. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Molestation trial likely to reach jury Monday Jun 21, 2008
Advertisement A photo of a Pioneer Valley High School teacher was a point of contention during closing arguments Friday in the trial of Michael Cardoza, who is charged with molesting a 16-year-old boy who was his student ... The attorneys gave their closing arguments Friday, and the jury was set to return to Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria Monday morning, at which time more jury instructions will presumably be given by Judge Edward Bullard before jurors begin deliberations ...... (Santa Maria Times)
Defense Begins Closing Arguments In Metrolink Crash Trial Jun 20, 2008
In his closing argument, Kielty emphasized his client's turbulent life ... Closing arguments will continue on Monday. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Jury deliberations to continue Tuesday in Pelo trial Jun 17, 2008
In closing arguments to the jury on Monday, a prosecutor said Pelo is an evil man who was unable to stop himself from stalking and sexually assaulting women ... Chief Felony Prosecutor Mark Messman said in a closing argument lasting 75 minutes that he could not offer an explanation for the crimes he believes Pelo committed. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Wider perspective on life Jun 16, 2008
I didn't think it was a good idea," she says.But Jim Wagoner was convinced she should have the experience of raising a healthy child as well as Colby. "I knew it was going to be OK. We'd talked it over," he says, pointing upward to indicate he is a praying man.Wendy says his argument for another child was the best closing argument he ever gave."She was third in her class in law school. My wife is very, very smart. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
