State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Appellant v. Leonard Costa, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the Appellate Division's reversal of Leonard Costa's conviction, ordering a new trial because the admission of indictments against five co-defendants was prejudicial. The Court also held that the trial judge's charge comment on Costa's failure to testify was permissible where inculpatory evidence existed. The decision clarifies the limits on using co-defendant indictments and prior convictions for impeachment.