New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. John Taylor, Appellant
October 23, 20079 N.Y.3d 129
Summary
The Court of Appeals vacated John Taylor's death sentence and remanded the case for resentencing, holding that the jury deadlock instruction under CPL 400.27(10) is unconstitutional and that LaValle requires the death penalty cannot be imposed. The decision rests on stare decisis and the due‑process protections of the New York Constitution. A dissent argues the instruction was non‑coercive and the majority is overly reluctant to uphold death sentences.