Commonwealth v. Owens

The defendant appeals from his convictions in Superior Court of assault by means of a dangerous weapon and rape. The defendant cites two grounds of error. First, he argues that the Superior Court judge erred in allowing the victim’s friend to testify regarding the victim’s statements, made in the friend’s presence, to a rape crisis counselor, without also requiring that the counselor’s questions be placed in evidence. Second, he argues that the prosecutor’s summation contained improper argument which created a substantial risk of a miscarriage of justice. We affirm.

1. Following the alleged…