The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Dwight Green, Appellant

Summary

The Court of Appeals held that the trial court erred in admitting testimony about a prior police visit to the defendant's apartment, finding the evidence irrelevant and prejudicial, and therefore reversed the conviction and remanded for a new trial. The Court also held that the jury instruction on knowledge and possession was proper. Justice Jasen dissented, arguing that the background evidence was relevant to counter a frame‑up defense and would have affirmed the judgment.