People v. Williams, 63 N.Y.2d 882 (1984)
A juror’s expression of abstract feelings about a defendant’s circumstances does not automatically require removal for cause if the juror expresses confidence in their ability to be fair and impartial.
Summary
This case addresses the circumstances under which a prospective juror’s biases require dismissal for cause. During jury selection for a case involving a Black defendant who had a child with a white girlfriend, two jurors expressed discomfort with interracial relationships but affirmed their ability to render a fair verdict. The defense’s challenge for cause was denied. The New York Court of Appeals affirmed, holding that abstract biases, without concrete evidence of an inability to be impartial, do not warrant removal for cause, especially when jurors affirm their capacity to be fair. The court emphasized the trial judge’s role in evaluating juror impartiality.
Facts
The defendant, a Black man, was on trial. During jury selection, two prospective jurors stated they did not associate with Black people and disapproved of interracial marriages. The defendant had a white girlfriend, and they had a child together, although they were unmarried. The jurors stated that these circumstances would not interfere with their ability to render a fair and impartial verdict. Defense counsel did not pursue further questioning of the jurors after being given the opportunity.
Procedural History
The defense counsel’s application to excuse the two prospective jurors for cause was denied by the trial court. The Appellate Division affirmed the trial court’s decision. The New York Court of Appeals granted leave to appeal and affirmed the Appellate Division’s order.
Issue(s)
Whether the trial court erred in denying defense counsel’s application to excuse two prospective jurors for cause, given their expressed disapproval of interracial relationships and the fact that the defendant had a child with a white girlfriend.
Holding
No, because the jurors expressed confidence in their ability to be fair and impartial, and there was no concrete indication that their feelings would affect their ability to serve on the jury.
Court’s Reasoning
The Court of Appeals distinguished this case from People v. Blyden, where a juror volunteered a specific, individualized opposition to minorities and expressed uncertainty about his ability to be impartial. In this case, the jurors only expressed abstract feelings and affirmed their ability to be fair. The court stated, “It is only when it is shown that there is a substantial risk that such predispositions will affect the ability of the particular juror to discharge his responsibilities… that his excuse is warranted.” The court deferred to the trial judge’s judgment, emphasizing the judge’s opportunity to evaluate the jurors’ demeanor and sincerity. The court recognized that jurors bring predispositions to the jury box, but not every predisposition warrants removal for cause. A potential juror who discloses anything but total absence of prejudice with respect to racial differences should not be removed if he demonstrates a readiness to lay his feelings aside in the discharge of his duties as a juror.