People v Wright

Holding The court reversed the conviction and granted a new trial because the trial court erroneously admitted privileged medical testimony under the Tarasoff exception, which does not permit disclosure of confidential information at trial after the exigent circumstances have ended. The court found the error was not harmless because the evidence of guilt was not overwhelming, particularly given the prior mistrial.

The court’s words

The Tarasoff exception authorized the treating physician and nurse to disclose privileged information about defendant to the police because a baby's life may have been in jeopardy and time was of the essence.

2026 NY Slip Op 04573, at the official text

The exception did not, however, authorize the physician and nurse to testify at trial some four years later about the privileged information.

2026 NY Slip Op 04573, at the official text