The People of the State of New York, Appellant v. Marlon Arnold, Respondent

Summary

The Court affirmed the Appellate Division's reversal of the defendant's conviction, holding that a trial court must grant a challenge for cause when a prospective juror expresses doubt about impartiality unless the juror provides an unequivocal assurance of fairness. The Court also held that the trial court's failure to inquire further about the juror's potential to act as an unsworn expert did not constitute reversible error because the juror was not seated and did not possess specialized knowledge relevant to a material issue.