Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. James E. Moore, Jr., Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1994-12-23
Citations: 210 A.D.2d 950
Docket Number: 
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v James E. Moore, Jr., Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 210
Pages: 950–951

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v James E. Moore, Jr., Appellant.
[621 NYS2d 1020]

Opinion:
—Judgment unanimously reversed on the law and new trial granted. Memorandum: In its instructions to the jury on reasonable doubt, County Court used the phrases "reasonably certain" and "reasonable degree of certainty" when defining the degree of proof to which the People must be held. We have previously held that that language effectively reduces the People's burden of proof, thereby depriving defendant of a fair trial (see, People v Guiteau, 204 AD2d 1035, lv denied 84 NY2d 868; People v Bradley, 201 AD2d 914). In light of our determination, it is unnecessary to address defendant's remaining arguments for a new trial. We agree with the determination of the hearing court that, under the circumstances, defendant's statement to the police was voluntary and was not obtained in violation of defendant's right to counsel. (Appeal from Judgment of Niagara County Court, Hannigan, J.—Murder, 2nd Degree.) Present—Balio, J. P., Lawton, Fallon, Wesley and Doerr, JJ.