Tibbetts rule (Maine) · Go Syfert
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Tibbetts rule in Maine

10 Maine opinions name it 1 courts 1980–2017 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Maine courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (7)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Comergreen
me · 1994 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1999–1999
2 sentences

1999For that reason, we do not utilize Tibbetts for this case, and we have no occasion for determining that Tibbetts is no longer viable in a harmless error case. [¶ 24] We have defined obvious error as error that is “so highly prejudicial that it taints the proceedings and virtually deprives the defendant of a fair trial.” State *1238 v. Comer, 644 A.2d 7, 9 (Me.1994).

1999For that reason, we do not utilize Tibbetts for this case, and we have no occasion for determining that Tibbetts is no longer viable in a harmless error case. [¶ 24] We have defined obvious error as error that is “so highly prejudicial that it taints the proceedings and virtually deprives the defendant of a fair trial.” State *1238 v. Comer, 644 A.2d 7, 9 (Me.1994).

11
State v. Turnergreen
me · 1981 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

11
State v. Ingallsgreen
me · 1988 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

11
State v. Tibbettsgreen
me · 1973 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
2 sentences

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

1998See State v. Tibbetts, 299 A.2d 883, 889 (Me.1973); State v. Turner, 433 A.2d 397, 400-01 (Me.1981); Ingalls, 544 A.2d at 1275-76 . [¶ 7] Under the Tibbetts rule, an unambiguous comment on a defendant’s failure to testify, whether direct or indirect, constitutes per se reversible error and can never be deemed harmless error, as a matter of law.

11
State v. Prudenzanogreen
me · 1976 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
2 sentences

1980The fact that the constitutionally impermissible interpretation is merely one of several possible interpretations of the prosecutor’s comment is not adequate under the Tibbetts rule. 5 Traditionally, the decision upon a motion for a mistrial lies within the sound discretion of the trial judge, and his ruling “will not be disturbed absent a clear showing by the appellant of abuse of that discretion.” State v. Prudenzano, Me., 365 A.2d 418, 420 (1976).

1980The fact that the constitutionally impermissible interpretation is merely one of several possible interpretations of the prosecutor’s comment is not adequate under the Tibbetts rule. 5 Traditionally, the decision upon a motion for a mistrial lies within the sound discretion of the trial judge, and his ruling “will not be disturbed absent a clear showing by the appellant of abuse of that discretion.” State v. Prudenzano, Me., 365 A.2d 418, 420 (1976).

11
Tad R. Knowles v. United Statesgreen
ca10 · 1955 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
2 sentences

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

11
Alan Lloyd Lussier v. Frank O. Guntergreen
ca1 · 1977 · cited in 1 Maine opinions naming this issue, 1980–1980
2 sentences

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Maine. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (6)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Tibbetts green
me · 1992
2 sentences

2017Id. at 21-22 .

2017Id. at 21-22 .

42017–2017
State v. Clarke green
me · 1999
2 sentences

2017“Obvious error,” including as applicable in the context of the type of prosecutorial misconduct at issue here, means “error that is so highly prejudicial that it taints the proceedings and virtually deprives the defendant of a fair trial.” Clarke, 1999 ME 141, ¶ 24 , 738 A.2d 1233 .

2017“Obvious error,” including as applicable in the context of the type of prosecutorial misconduct at issue here, means “error that is so highly prejudicial that it taints the proceedings and virtually deprives the defendant of a fair trial.” Clarke, 1999 ME 141, ¶ 24 , 738 A.2d 1233 .

22017–2017
State v. Roberts green
me · 2008
2 sentences

2017The Tibbetts analysis is applicable only in cases in which an objection has been made and the harmless error standard of review is appropriate.” See also Roberts, 2008 ME 112, ¶ 46 , 951 A.2d 803 .

2017The Tibbetts analysis is applicable only in cases in which an objection has been made and the harmless error standard of review is appropriate.” See also Roberts, 2008 ME 112, ¶ 46 , 951 A.2d 803 .

22017–2017
State v. Libby green
me · 1980
2 sentences

1981Although this Court has repeatedly applied the Tibbetts analysis to prosecutorial comment in closing argument to the jury, see, e.g., State v. Libby, Me., 410 A.2d 562 (1980), we have not had occasion until now to consider whether that analysis must also be applied to a prosecutor’s remarks during opening statement.

1981Although this Court has repeatedly applied the Tibbetts analysis to prosecutorial comment in closing argument to the jury, see, e.g., State v. Libby, Me., 410 A.2d 562 (1980), we have not had occasion until now to consider whether that analysis must also be applied to a prosecutor’s remarks during opening statement.

11981–1981
Weaver v. Carson green
scotus · 1977
2 sentences

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

11980–1980
Easterling v. Odom green
· 1914
2 sentences

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

1980The First Circuit has recently stated the test as follows: “[Wjhether the language used was manifestly intended or was of such a character that the jury would naturally and necessarily take it to be a comment on the failure of the accused to testify.” Lussier v. Gunter, 552 F.2d 385, 389 (1st Cir.), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 854 , 98 S.Ct. 171 , 54 L.Ed.2d 124 (1977), quoting Knowles v. United States, 224 F.2d 168, 170 (10th Cir. 1955).

11980–1980

Statutes the citing opinions construe

ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2411 (4) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2432 (4) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29, § 1312 (3) ME § Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 29-A, § 2482 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

ME 10 (1980–2017) WY 2 (2017–2017)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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