Case Name: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v. Bryan Smith, Appellant
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1990-10-05
Citations: 166 A.D.2d 880
Docket Number: Appeal No. 2
Parties: The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Bryan Smith, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 166
Pages: 880–881

Head Matter:
The People of the State of New York, Respondent, v Bryan Smith, Appellant.
(Appeal No. 2.)

Opinion:
Judgment reversed on the law and new trial granted. Memorandum: In connection with its alibi charge, the court instructed the jury that: "[t]he burden of proof never shifts to the People if you, the jury, believe the evidence it is for you, the jury, to determine whether or not the alibi should be believed"; and "you must be satisfied as to the actual occurrence of the alibi". This was fundamental error. The People have the burden of disproving the alibi and the court's charge, which suggests that defendant had the burden of proof, "unconstitutionally relieve[d] the People of their burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt" (People v Victor, 62 NY2d 374, 377).