Susan Bysiewicz v. Nancy Dinardo

Summary

The court held that the plaintiff had standing and that her declaratory judgment claims were ripe because her candidacy created a substantial uncertainty about her eligibility and resolving the issue before the election served practical interests. It further held that the statutory qualification for attorney general requires at least ten years of regular legal practice as a primary livelihood, including some litigation experience and representation of clients, which the plaintiff lacked. The court also upheld the qualification statute as constitutional and reversed the trial judgment, directing entry of judgment for the defendants. Bishop, J., concurring, agreed with the result but rejected the majority's conclusion that litigation experience is independently required.