Title: The People v. Christian Tabb

State: new-york

Issuer: New York Appellate Court

Document:

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This memorandum is uncorrected and subject to revision before
publication in the New York Reports.
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No. 213  SSM 47
The People &c.,
            Respondent,
        v.
Christian Tabb,
            Appellant.
Robert B. Hallborg, Jr., for appellant.
Raymond C. Herman, for respondent.
MEMORANDUM:
The order of the Appellate Division should be reversed
and a new trial ordered.
During deliberations, the jury sent a note to the trial
court that asked for direction on, or an explanation of, "the
legal definition of self defense."  Nothing in the record
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No. SSM 47
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indicates that the court informed defense counsel and the
prosecutor about the contents of the note.  In the absence of
record proof that the trial court complied with its core
responsibilities under CPL 310.30, a mode of proceedings error
occurred requiring reversal (see e.g. People v Kisoon, 8 NY3d
129, 135 [2007]; People v O'Rama, 78 NY2d 270, 277 [1992]).
*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
On review of submissions pursuant to section 500.11 of the Rules,
order reversed and a new trial ordered, in a memorandum.  Chief
Judge Lippman and Judges Ciparick, Graffeo, Read, Smith, Pigott
and Jones concur.
Decided November 24, 2009