People v. Hughes

opinion of the court

Hancock, Jr., J.

The use of hypnosis has not gained general acceptance in the scientific community as a reliable method of restoring a witness’ recollection of an event. We hold, therefore, that the testimony of a witness concerning hypnotically produced recall is, as a matter of law, inadmissible in a criminal trial in this State.

i

Whether such testimony should be admitted, a question apparently not before considered in any appellate court in New York, arises in the context of an appeal from convictions for rape, first degree, burglary, first degree, and assault, second…