New York Court of Appeals
The People v. . McCann.
September 5, 185716 N.Y. 58
Summary
The Court of Appeals reversed the conviction and ordered a new trial because it held that the trial judge erred by placing the burden of proving insanity on the defendant and requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and it affirmed the constitutionality of the 1855 act despite its title. Justice also found the statutory provision for automatic reversal without an exception was not applicable. Justice Kagan, in a concurring opinion, disagreed with the majority's view of the burden of proof.