Williamsburgh Savings Bank, Appellant v. State of New York, Respondent

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division and held that the 1923 statute validly confers jurisdiction on the Court of Claims to hear claims founded in right and justice, that the plaintiff's bonds, certificates, and tax sale certificate constitute such moral‑obligation claims against the State, and that judgment in the plaintiff's favor is warranted. The Court affirmed the principle that the Legislature may create enforceable moral obligations and that courts may adjudicate them when the statute so directs.