New York Court of Appeals
Intercontinental Hotels Corporation (Puerto Rico) v. Jack Golden
November 19, 196415 N.Y.2d 9
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the Supreme Court judgment, holding that New York courts must enforce gambling debts validly created under Puerto Rican law because no strong public policy of the State bars such enforcement. The Court relied on longstanding authority that foreign rights are enforced unless they offend the forum's prevailing moral standards. Chief Judge Desmond dissented, arguing that New York public policy historically prohibits enforcement of gambling contracts.