In the Matter of Congregation Yetev Lev D’Satmar, Inc., Appellants v. Jacob (Jeno) (Yaakov) Kahana…

Summary

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed the Appellate Division's order declining jurisdiction, holding that the election dispute between rival factions of Congregation Yetev Lev D’Satmar could not be resolved on neutral principles of law because it required inquiry into ecclesiastical doctrine, making the case nonjusticiable under the First Amendment. Justice Smith dissented, arguing that the dispute could be decided on neutral principles and should be heard on the merits.