The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Nelson Allen, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's order. The court held that an error limiting a defendant's cross‑examination of a prosecution witness about prior criminal acts is not per se reversible error, especially where the witness's prior criminal history was extensively explored on cross. The decision rests on the view that such errors are reversible only if they cause substantial prejudice.