Court Opinion

ID: 5786022
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-12 17:59:04.750653+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:42:06.440951
License: Public Domain

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.