People v. Lykes

OPINION OF THE COURT

Memorandum.

The order of the Appellate Division should be affirmed.

Defendant was convicted, after a jury trial, of sexual abuse in the first degree and endangering the welfare of a child stemming from the molestation of a five-year-old boy. During deliberations, the Trial Judge received a note from the jury stating, "Legal Terminology about Charges brought against defendant on all three accounts.” Without notifying defendant, defense counsel or the prosecutor, the Judge sent a note to the jury asking:

*769"Do you wish the legal definition of each crime charged?

"or

"Do you wish…