Betty L. Kimmel, Respondent v. State of New York, Appellants. Emmelyn Logan-Baldwin, Interested Party-Respondent

Summary

The Court held that New York's Equal Access to Justice Act applies to a civil action under the Human Rights Law for sex discrimination, allowing a prevailing plaintiff to recover attorneys' fees and costs. The decision rests on a plain‑language reading of CPLR article 86, the legislative history, and the remedial nature of the statute. The Court affirmed the Appellate Division’s award, while noting dissenting and concurring opinions that argued for a narrower application limited to injunctive or declaratory relief.