State of Tennessee v. Gregory Randall South

Case Number
M2018-01360-CCA-R3-CD

Following a jury trial, the defendant, Gregory Randall South, was convicted of two counts of selling morphine, a Schedule II controlled substance. On appeal, the defendant contends the prosecutor improperly commented on his right not to testify and used an improper hypothetical during closing argument. Having thoroughly reviewed the record, we conclude the prosecutor’s comments on the defendant’s right not to testify constitute reversible non-structural constitutional error. Accordingly, we reverse the judgments of the trial court and remand the matter for a new trial.

Authoring Judge
Judge J. Ross Dyer
Originating Judge
Judge E. Shayne Sexton
Case Name
State of Tennessee v. Gregory Randall South
Date Filed
Dissent or Concur
No
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