ADMISSION OF A CHART SHOWING THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP OF A GANG WAS (HARMLESS) ERROR (SECOND DEPT).
Although the facts of the case were not spelled out, the Second Department determined the introduction of a chart showing the structure and membership of a gang was (harmless) error:
We agree with the defendant that under the circumstances here, it was improper to admit into evidence a summary chart depicting the gang hierarchy and membership of the gang, which identified the gang’s members by name and their associated arrest photos … . Nevertheless, the error was harmless, as the proof of the defendant’s guilt of arson in the first degree and conspiracy in the second degree was overwhelming, and there is no significant probability that, but for the error, the verdict would have been less adverse … . People v Burkette, 2017 NY Slip Op 06082, Second Dept 8-9-17
CRIMINAL LAW (EVIDENCE, GANGS, ADMISSION OF A CHART SHOWING THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP OF A GANG WAS (HARMLESS) ERROR (SECOND DEPT))/EVIDENCE (CRIMINAL LAW, GANGS, ADMISSION OF A CHART SHOWING THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP OF A GANG WAS (HARMLESS) ERROR (SECOND DEPT))/GANGS (CRIMINAL LAW, EVIDENCE, ADMISSION OF A CHART SHOWING THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP OF A GANG WAS (HARMLESS) ERROR (SECOND DEPT))