The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Felix Torres, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division’s order and remanded for a new trial, holding that the trial judge improperly delegated a non‑ministerial judicial function to a court officer when the jury reported an impasse. The Court emphasized that directing a jury to continue deliberations is not a mere ministerial act and requires the judge’s presence.