The People of the State of New York v. Delroy Colville

Summary

The Court of Appeals held that the decision to seek jury instructions on lesser‑included offenses is a strategic choice that rests with defense counsel, not the defendant, and therefore reversed the Appellate Division’s judgment and ordered a new trial. The opinion also noted that the trial judge’s refusal to submit manslaughter charges, despite counsel’s request and a reasonable view of the evidence, violated the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to counsel. Justice Jones dissented, arguing that the defendant’s choice should control.