The People of the State of New York v. Jean S. Harris

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed Jean S. Harris's convictions for second‑degree murder and weapon possession, holding that the trial court did not err in admitting the defendant's post‑Miranda telephone statement, that no attorney‑client privilege was breached, that the prosecution's rebuttal evidence was proper, that the failure to close pre‑trial hearings did not prejudice the defendant, and that the denial of a post‑swearing juror challenge for cause was correct. The court found any errors harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Fuchsberg, in a concurring opinion, agreed with the result but argued that the admission of the overheard statement violated Harris's right to counsel.