People v. Anderson

(Prior judgment vacated, and court opinion issued 6/27/11 per supervisory order.) Defendant was convicted of first degree murder and aggravated battery with a fiream in jury trial which began three weeks after effective date of amended Supreme Court Rule 431(b). Court did not comply with amended Rule 431(b), as three out of four Zehr principles were described in narrative form, not in questions; and court asked panel as a group whether they would sign appropriate verdict form if burden of proof met, which was a general question. However, failure to comply with Rule 431(b) did not rise to level of plain error, as evidence against Defendant was overwhelming and not closely balanced. Defendant received effective asisstance of counsel. (HALL and GARCIA, concurring.)