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Landmark Cases

Case Name: PEOPLE of New York v. Gordon G. PATTERSON

Date, Location, Cite: 1977 NY
39 NY 2d 288; 432 U.S.197
NY Court of Appeals (Highest NY Court)

Defendant killed estranged wife's lover with rifle; Psychiatrist testified to "extreme emotional disturbance," meeting NY law for manslaughter; Jury said he was Guilty, all appeals affirmed. Defendant said his due process right was violated by placing burden of proof on HIM. NY Court said that burden was on Prosecution to prove guilt, but mitigating circumstances were not the same thing, not a violation of 14th Amendment. Jury finding is one of fact, not law, not open to change. It is all right for a jury to reject an expert even without other expert if they want to.