The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Enrique Rojas, Appellant

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Enrique Rojas, holding that the trial court properly admitted evidence of his prior alleged assault because the defense opened the door through its opening statement and cross‑examination. The majority reasoned that the Molineux rule is flexible and that prior‑crime evidence may be admitted to explain the defendant's confinement and to rebut misleading claims. Justice Smith dissented, arguing that the evidence was not probative of the charged offense and that the defense did not open the door. The dissent would reverse the admission of the prior‑crime evidence.