Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Robert J. Beaulieu, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1972-11-30
Citations: 40 A.D.2d 942
Docket Number: 
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Robert J. Beaulieu, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 40
Pages: 942–942

Head Matter:
(November 30, 1972)
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Robert J. Beaulieu, Appellant.

Opinion:
Judgment unanimously affirmed. Memorandum: We note that the trial court's ruling, foreclosing the People from introducing through a rebuttal witness evidence contradictory of defendant's testimony and that of his character witnesses as to how he treated his and other children, was erroneous. It is well settled that once a defendant has introduced evidence of his good character, the prosecution may prove his bad character by cross-examining him and his witnesses and by calling rebuttal witnesses (People v. Kass, 25 N Y 2d 123; Richardson Evidence [9th ed.], § 156-158). In addition, the District Attorney's offer of rebuttal testimony had a reasonable basis and was made in good faith, and did not constitute error (People v. Kass, supra; People v. Schwartzman, 24 N Y 2d 241, 244). (Appeal from judgment of Onondaga County Court, convicting defendant of manslaughter, second degree.) Present — Goldman, P. J., Del Vecchio, Witmer, Cardamone and Henry, JJ.