New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York v. James Phillips
March 29, 201116 N.Y.3d 510
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division’s order upholding the trial court’s finding that defendant James Phillips was fit to stand trial, holding that the trial court’s competency determination was within its discretion and supported by the record. The Court also noted that the People met its burden of showing fitness by a preponderance of the evidence. Chief Judge Lippman dissented, arguing that the People failed to meet that burden and that the defendant should have been found unfit.