New York Court of Appeals
The People of the State of New York, Respondent v. Stephen S. LaValle, Appellant
June 24, 20043 N.Y.3d 88
Summary
The Court upheld Stephen S. LaValle's conviction for first‑degree murder but vacated his death sentence, holding that New York's statutory deadlock instruction (CPL 400.27(10)) is unconstitutional under the State Constitution's due‑process clause. The case is remanded for resentencing under CPL 470.30(5)(c). The dissent argues the instruction is not coercive and should be severable, while a concurrence fully agrees with the majority.