The People of the State of New York, Appellant v. Karim Johnson, Respondent; the People of the State of New York…

Summary

The Court held that a challenge for cause must be granted when a prospective juror expresses doubt about impartiality and fails to give an unequivocal assurance of fairness, affirming the Appellate Division’s orders in People v Johnson and People v Sharper and reversing the Appellate Division’s order in People v Reyes, ordering a new trial. Justice Bellacosa dissented, arguing the opposite outcome.