PEOPLE v BENDER

Holding The evidence was legally sufficient to support a conviction for reckless endangerment in the first degree based on depraved indifference to human life. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in precluding the defendant’s psychiatric evidence regarding his bipolar disorder due to his failure to provide timely notice under CPL 250.10.

The court’s words

depraved indifference is a culpable mental state that is best understood as an utter disregard for the value of human life

45 NY3d 689, at the official text

viewing the facts in a light most favorable to the People, there is a valid line of reasoning and permissible inferences

45 NY3d 689, at the official text

the governing principle animating CPL 250.10 is procedural fairness and orderliness with the intention of eliminating the element of surprise

45 NY3d 689, at the official text

there was absolutely no good cause shown as to why notice was not immediately given after defendant learned of the psychiatric evidence

45 NY3d 689, at the official text