New York Court of Appeals
In the Matter of Quinton A. (Anonymous), the People of the State of New York, Respondent Robert Abrams, as…
February 20, 198049 N.Y.2d 328
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of subdivision 2‑a of § 753‑a of the Family Court Act, rejecting the appellant's due‑process and equal‑protection challenges to the mandatory restrictive placement of violent juveniles. The Court affirmed that the statute is rationally related to a legitimate state interest in protecting the elderly and does not require strict scrutiny. However, the Court found a fatal evidentiary error in the fact‑finding hearing—admitting a co‑defendant’s confession against the appellant—and reversed the adjudication, remanding for a new hearing.