The People of the State of New York v. Bryan Smith

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals held that the phrase “for the purpose of” in Penal Law § 160.00 creates a mens rea requirement that the defendant must intend the threatened force to either compel the victim to surrender property or to prevent or overcome resistance. The Court found the evidence sufficient to support that intent and reversed the Appellate Division’s dismissal of the robbery convictions.