Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Appellant, v. James Carmack, Also Known as Peter Carmichael, Respondent
Court: New York Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1978-03-29
Citations: 44 N.Y. 706
Docket Number: 
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Appellant, v James Carmack, Also Known as Peter Carmichael, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: New York Reports
Volume: 44
Pages: 706–708

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Appellant, v James Carmack, Also Known as Peter Carmichael, Respondent.
Argued February 16, 1978;
decided March 29, 1978
APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
Edward C. Cosgrove, District Attorney (John J. De Franks of counsel), for appellant.
Joseph B. Mistrett and Nathaniel A. Barrell for respondent.

Opinion:
OPINION OF THE COURT
Memorandum.
Order affirmed for the reasons stated by Mr. Justice Richard D. Simons at the Appellate Division.
It is clear on the facts of this case, particularly as the evidence developed at trial, that the extensive cross-examination on prior drug possession charges was improper. Under the circumstances there was too great a danger that the evidence would tend to demonstrate a propensity to commit the very crime for which the defendant was on trial rather than to impeach his credibility (see People v Wright, 41 NY2d 172, 175; People v Duffy, 36 NY2d 258, 262, cert den 423 US 861; People v Sandoval, 34 NY2d 371, 377-378).