New York Court of Appeals
Ricky Brown, Appellants v. State of New York, Respondent
November 19, 199689 N.Y.2d 172
Summary
The New York Court of Appeals held that the Court of Claims has subject‑matter jurisdiction to hear damages actions based on violations of the New York Constitution’s equal‑protection and search‑and‑seizure provisions and reinstated those claims, while dismissing the claims grounded in 42 U.S.C. § 1981 as legally insufficient. The decision also reinstated a negligent‑training claim and remanded the case to the Court of Claims. Justice Bellacosa dissented, arguing that the legislature did not intend to expand jurisdiction or impose liability for constitutional torts.