People v. Hanley

OPINION OF THE COURT

ClPARICK, J.

The issue here is whether defendant had a right to present testimony that a key prosecution witness had a bad reputation in the community for truth and veracity. We conclude that the trial court’s failure to allow such evidence was reversible error.

Defendant was no stranger to Wilson’s Bar in Manhattan. He lived in the neighborhood and was a frequent patron. He knew the bartenders and had on numerous occasions borrowed money from them which he usually repaid. However, when he walked into the bar on October 29, 1997, according to the People, he did not show up…