Final answer:
The New York Penal Code is binding on trial courts in New York when they decide on criminal cases, which means these courts must adhere to its provisions. The Apprendi v. New Jersey decision also affects sentencing, requiring certain facts to be proved to a jury beyond reasonable doubt before increasing a penalty beyond the statutory maximum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The New York Penal Code is binding on New York trial court level. In the American legal system, the laws enacted by the legislature, such as the Penal Code, serve as binding precedent for judicial decisions within that jurisdiction. This means that trial courts in New York are obligated to follow the rules and provisions set out in the state's Penal Code when deciding cases involving criminal charges. However, in the realm of sentencing, the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court case Apprendi v. New Jersey must also be followed. According to the Apprendi ruling, any fact (other than a prior conviction) that could increase the penalty for a crime beyond the statutory maximum must be presented to a jury and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, thus ensuring the defendant's constitutional rights are upheld.