Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Jury Selection
Defendant was convicted by jury of first degree murder, after his initial conviction was reversed by appellate court. Defendant was denied a fair trial as court failed to strictly comply with Rule 431(b) in admonishing potential jurors during voir dire. Plain error in that court failed to ask all potential jurors whether they understood the four Rule 431(b) principles; and evidence was closely balanced. There is no de minimus exception to first prong of plain-error rule, and Defendant is not required to show any additional prejudice. (LYTTON, concurring; WRIGHT, concurring in part and dissenting in part.)