State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent v. Phillip Dixon, Defendant-Appellant

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey vacated the death sentence and reversed the capital murder conviction, holding that the jury’s verdict did not establish death eligibility, and remanded for sentencing on the non‑capital murder conviction. The Court also affirmed the jury‑selection system and the admission of the film evidence, finding no reversible error on those issues. Justice Handler, dissenting in part and concurring in part, argued that the voir dire was inadequate, the film evidence was highly prejudicial, and the State failed to give proper notice of aggravating factors.