People v. Washington

Defendant, James A. Washington, was found guilty by a jury of first-degree premeditated murder, MCL 750.316; MSA 28.548. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and appeals by right.

The defendant has raised four issues on appeal. He first contends that the prosecutor improperly questioned witnesses and commented in closing argument on the defendant’s silence in the face of an accusatory statement.

The tacit admission rule, which permits a defendant’s silence in the face of an accusation to be used against him, is not utilized in criminal cases in Michigan. In People v Bigge, 288 Mich 417, 419;…