The People of the State of New York v. . Frank N. Sheldon

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed Sheldon’s first‑degree murder conviction, holding that the jury’s verdict was coerced by the trial judge’s pressure and lack of sleeping accommodations. The Court also affirmed that the length of time a jury may be kept together is a matter of trial‑court discretion, but courts should provide reasonable accommodations after the first night.