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Article: Criminal prosecutors want last word; With some high-profile backing, a bill to let prosecutors rebut the defense's closing arguments passed a House committee.(NEWS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- February 20, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Spurred on by support from a new governor, a new attorney general and a new Hennepin County attorney, Minnesota prosecutors again are asking legislators to give them the final word in criminal trials.
Their cause got a boost Friday when the House Crime Prevention Committee approved a bill to give prosecutors a rebuttal - the final argument jurors would hear before deliberating. A similar proposal is expected to be considered Wednesday by a Senate committee.
The change is supported by the Minnesota County Attorneys Association and Attorney General Mike Hatch. Public Safety Commissioner Charlie Weaver, who testified in favor of the proposal Friday, said ...