New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York v. . George Grutz
June 9, 1914212 N.Y. 72
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals reversed the arson conviction of George Grutz and ordered a new trial, holding that evidence of other incendiary fires was improperly admitted, that the indictment objections could not be raised on appeal, and that certain character and lay opinion evidence was admissible. The Court also clarified the limited exceptions to the general rule against character evidence. Justice Cardozo dissented, arguing that the evidence of prior relations and a continuing scheme was admissible and that the conviction should be affirmed.