New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York v. Asher Cain

May 10, 199076 N.Y.2d 119

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed Asher Cain's conviction, dismissed the kidnapping count on merger grounds, and ordered a new trial on the remaining charges because Cain was absent during a post‑verdict robing‑room colloquy that constituted supplemental jury instructions, a violation of his constitutional right to be present. The Court also noted that the trial court's polling procedure was not decided.