New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Paris Drake, Appellant
May 9, 20067 N.Y.3d 28
Summary
The Court affirmed the defendant's convictions, holding that the trial court's jury charge—though it contained an isolated erroneous instruction about expert testimony—was not prejudicial and therefore sufficient, and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing the in‑camera inspection of a witness's psychiatric records or in limiting impeachment. Justice G.B. Smith dissented, arguing the expert instruction was prejudicial and the in‑camera denial violated the Sixth Amendment.