People v. Anderson

The amended Illinois Supreme Court Rule 431(b) went into effect on May 1, 2007. Jury selection in the murder case against James Anderson began three weeks later, on May 21, 2007. The jury found the defendant guilty of first degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. The defendant raises several issues on appeal, but we focus on the question of whether the trial court complied with Rule 431(b) (111. S. Ct. R. 431(b) (eff. May 1, 2007)) and, if not, whether the defendant’s convictions should be reversed for another trial. We reverse and remand.

FACTS

On May 3, 2003, defendant agreed to…