People v. Deen

Summary

The court held that the trial judge applied an impermissibly narrow standard when denying the defense challenge for cause to a prospective juror who had personal and professional connections to the victim, had received detailed information about the case, and had expressed concern about impartiality. A court must objectively assess the totality of the circumstances and determine whether the juror can follow the law, rely solely on trial evidence, and act with entire impartiality; the juror's assurances of impartiality are relevant but not controlling. Because the trial court failed to make that required assessment, the judgment was reversed in its entirety and the case was remanded for a new trial.