The People of the State of New York v. Donald Bouton

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division, ordering a new trial because the station‑house statements were obtained after an unlawful arrest and because inadmissible exhibits were improperly delivered to the jury. The court also found the trial court's limitation on character‑reputation evidence overly restrictive. Justice Gabrielli dissented, arguing the evidence was admissible and the jury error harmless.