People v. Belknap

This case presents question as to whether defendant is entitled to new trial on murder and other charges based on trial court’s failure to comply with Rule 431(b) that instructs trial court to ask potential jurors during voir dire four questions contained in said Rule prior to accepting them as members of jury. Appellate Court, in remanding matter for new trial, found that compliance with specific question and response process contained in Rule 431(b) is mandatory, and that trial court had failed to ask any juror whether he or she understood and accepted four principles set forth in Rule 431(b). Appellate Court further found that error was not harmless where evidence of defendant’s guilt was closely balanced. (Dissent filed.)