People v. Stiggins

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

*530The order of County Court should be reversed and a new trial ordered.

Defendant’s conviction of assault in the third degree and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person must be overturned because she was deprived of her right to a fair trial. It was apparent from the outset of the proceedings that the presiding town justice was unfamiliar with the mechanics of a jury trial, which prompted defense counsel to object to the continuation of the proceedings. The judge had to be guided by the prosecutor through every aspect of jury selection—he attempted to…