Apparently boxed into a mistrial when a deliberating juror in a murder trial fell ill, a judge in Brooklyn instead issued a broad interpretation of a requirement that deliberations not be adjourned for more than 24 hours.

Acting Justice Vincent M. Del Giudice (See Profile) in People v. Taylor, 11180/08, also called for legislation giving judges authority to extend the 24-hour deadline to prevent unyielding defendants from forcing mistrials.