Brian Lee

Brian Lee is an Albany-based litigation reporter for the New York Law Journal. He has worked at daily newspapers in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @bleereporter

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October 25, 2022 | New York Law Journal

NY Court of Appeals Suspends Town Justice Who Pointed Gun at Black Man

The New York Court of Appeals' decision to suspend, with pay, Whitehall Town Justice Robert Putorti from town and village courts, came a month after a judicial conduct panel recommended his removal.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

October 24, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Hochul Touts 'Red Flag' Funding, Increased Number of Protective Orders as Election Looms

The court system confirmed a spike in the number of ERPOs—Extreme Risk Protection Orders—granted since the law was changed.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

October 24, 2022 | New York Law Journal

NY's Highest Court Upholds Financial Services Rule Prioritizing Consumer Needs

Judge Madeline Singas wrote that the DFS hadn't crossed the line into impermissible legislative policymaking, nor was the amendment unconstitutionally vague.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

October 21, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Deputy NY Senate Leader Renews Call for Progressive Chief Judge, Hits Back at Critics

State Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-Queens, said the state Senate's confirmation of a chief judge, up until the current legislative majority took hold in 2019, had historically been a "pro forma rubber stamp process." He wants that to be no longer the case.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

October 21, 2022 | New York Law Journal

NY Judge Says Absentee Ballots Issued Due to COVID Fear Should Be Preserved But Not Instantly Canvassed

Saratoga Supreme Court Justice Dianne Freestone's ruling—which has statewide effect—could shake up general election procedures. It allows New York voters who fear the spread of COVID-19 to continue to cast absentee ballots, but those votes would not be counted immediately on election night.

By Brian Lee

5 minute read

October 20, 2022 | New York Law Journal

New York Court System's Legal Guidance to Judges Isn't Privileged; Trial Court Says New York Civil Liberties Union Can Have Documents

The New York Civil Liberties Union is entitled to more than 10 years' worth of written legal guidance that the administrative arm of the state court system gave to judges, a trial court judge in Manhattan said Wednesday.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read

October 20, 2022 | New York Law Journal

In AG's Call to Criminalize Livestreamed Violence in Wake of Buffalo Mass Shootings, Lawyers Warn of First Amendment Impacts

A Buffalo attorney and president of the national First Amendment Lawyers Association said the call for reform could lead to significant First Amendment implications.

By Brian Lee

3 minute read

October 19, 2022 | New York Law Journal

NY's Highest Court Weighs Justification Defense for Man Who Blinded Dog During Altercation Over $20

Judge Jenny Rivera said the case seemed to turn on the physical characteristics of the dog, indicating the case might look different if it were 100 pounds rather than eight.

By Brian Lee

4 minute read