The People of the State of New York v. . Jacob Sharp

Summary

The Court of Appeals reversed Jacob Sharp's bribery conviction and ordered a new trial because the trial court erred by admitting testimony compelled by a Senate subpoena, prior‑crime evidence, and other inadmissible material. The majority held that § 79 of the Penal Code bars use of such compelled testimony, that prior‑crime evidence was not admissible to show motive or intent, and that evidence of absent co‑defendants was irrelevant. A concurring opinion agreed with the reversal but argued more forcefully against the admission of the prior‑crime evidence.