New York Court of Appeals

The People of the State of New York v. Jerry McManus

June 10, 198667 N.Y.2d 541

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals held that justification is a valid defense to depraved indifference murder and that the People must disprove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the trial court refused to give a justification instruction despite supporting evidence, the conviction was reversed and the case remanded for a new trial.