People v. Williams

OPINION OF THE COURT

Chief Judge Cooke.

The extent to which the prosecution should be allowed to use prior convictions to impeach the credibility of a defendant who testifies is a matter that is generally left to the discretion of the trial court. The trial court may not, however, abdicate its responsibility by failing to exercise this discretion. Here, the Appellate Division was correct in its determination that no such discretion was exercised. This court cannot agree, however, that the error was harmless. The order of the Appellate Division therefore should be reversed.

*238Defendant Kenneth…