The People of the State of New York v. . William J. Koerner

Summary

The Court of Appeals reversed the murder conviction and granted a new trial, holding that several evidentiary rulings—including the admission of non‑expert factual testimony, expert testimony on the defendant's alleged feigned unconsciousness, and statements made in the defendant's presence—were erroneous and not harmless. The Court also affirmed that the trial court had abused its discretion in admitting evidence after the defense rested and in striking evidence without proper basis.