Colorado v. Alfaro
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The State appealed the court of appeals' reversal of defendant Matthew Alfaro's convictions on murder, burglary and attempted kidnapping charges. On direct appeal, the appellate court found that the trial court erred in allowing defendant fewer peremptory challenges than authorized by statute and rule. Although defendant did not object to the trial court's interpretation of the applicable statute, the appellate court found that the trial court's error was not harmless. However, after its review, the Supreme Court concluded the court of appeals did not apply the outcome-determinative standard (as discussed in "Colorado v. Novotony," released in addition to the opinion of this case). The Supreme Court reversed the appellate court and remanded the case for reconsideration under the proper standard.
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