People v. Knight

Valente, J. (dissenting).

I dissent and would reverse the conviction and order a new trial because of the highly prejudicial exclusion of evidence offered by defendant as to the crucial issue in this case — defendant’s plea of insanity.

Defendant was indicted and tried for the crime of murder, first degree. He was charged with having stabbed, one Charles Padin on September 1, 1960, so as to cause his death on that date. The jury found him guilty of manslaughter, first degree, and he was sentenced to State prison for a term of 10 to 20 years.

On this record, it is sufficiently established that on…