Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Johnnie Fair, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1970-07-02
Citations: 35 A.D.2d 519
Docket Number: 
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Johnnie Fair, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 35
Pages: 519–519

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Johnnie Fair, Appellant.

Opinion:
Concur—Stevens, P. J., Eager and Nunez, JJ.; McGivern and McNally, JJ., dissent in the following memorandum by McNally, J.: I would affirm the judgment of conviction. Cross-examination of the defendant was well within the bounds set out in People v. Alamo (23 N Y 2d 630). The Assistant District Attorney presented to the trial court fully and fairly the basis for his cross-examination of the defendant relative to the Marcus and Ferrusa incidents. The trial court found and the record fully substantiates the cross-examination was conducted upon a good-faith factual basis. I am aware that the Court of Appeals will not review a criminal case where the Appellate Division reverses and in the interest of justice directs a new trial. (People v. Campbell, 25 N Y 2d 784; People v. Rossi, 11 N Y 2d 787, 788; People v. Mendola, 2 N Y 2d 270, 274; People v. Redmond, 225 N. Y. 206, 208; Cohen and Karger, Powers of the Court of Appeals [rev. ed.], p. 754.) I have grave doubts as to the reversal here in the interest of justice. It would seem to me the reversal in the instant case is one on law. I find no basis in the record for a reversal in the interest of justice and the majority in my opinion based the reversal solely on the alleged improper cross-examination.