After he was convicted of second-degree murder, James Harris wanted a new trial because he didn't think his Orange County jury should have been allowed to hear certain conversations he had had with Newburgh police officers. And on appeal, the Appellate Division, Second Department, agreed.
Apparently, officers continued to question Harris after he had told them that he wanted to speak with an attorney. (Of course, once that request was made, the cops were required to end their inquiry.)
And even though prosecutors had other evidence of Harris's guilt, the appellate court still thought the guy was entitled to a do-over because the wrongfully disclosed statements had helped seal Harris's conviction.
Now that's silly-talk.
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Harris