The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Charles McLaughlin, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed McLaughlin's conviction because the trial court assigned counsel at the last minute without giving him reasonable time to secure counsel of his own choosing or a private interview, violating his constitutional right to counsel. The court also held that the assistant district attorney's waiver of the right to open and the allowance of improper rebuttal testimony were procedural violations, and it ordered a new trial.