People v. Collins

We deal here with the novel question whether evidence of mathematical probability has been properly introduced and used by the prosecution in a criminal ease. While we discern no inherent incompatibility between the disciplines of law and mathematics and intend no general disapproval or disparagement of the latter as an auxiliary in the fact-finding processes of the former, we cannot uphold the technique employed in the instant case, As we explain in detail, infra, the testimony as to mathematical probability infected the case with fatal error and distorted the jury’s ^traditional role of…