New York Law Watch
Court of Appeals: decisions in 2026
The Court of Appeals is New York’s highest court; it hears appeals as of right in a narrow class of cases and otherwise by leave, and its signed opinions settle questions the Appellate Division departments have divided on. Law Watch records every decision the Court publishes in the Official Reports.
For Court of Appeals, decisions in 2026, Law Watch lists 8 indexable decisions dated September 24, 2026 to October 29, 2026 across 3 decision weeks.
18 decision records: 8 meet the substance floor; 10 records are held from search listings.
Week ending October 31, 2026
Browse the week ending October 31, 2026
- People v Nantan2026 NY Slip Op 06379
CPL 30.30 (6) unambiguously expands appellate review of speedy trial claims to all cases, including those arising from guilty pleas entered before the statute’s effective date. The provision applies to appeals pending when it took effect because it is a procedural and remedial statute that mandates review without reservation.
- People v Ekukpe2026 NY Slip Op 06378
CPL 30.30 (6) does not preclude a criminal defendant from waiving the right to appeal a statutory speedy trial claim as part of a negotiated plea bargain. The statute’s plain text only abrogates the rule that a guilty plea forfeits such claims, but it does not address or prohibit appeal waivers.
- People v Mears2026 NY Slip Op 06237
A justification instruction pursuant to Penal Law § 35.15 is available for a charge of endangering the welfare of a child when the prosecution’s case is premised on the defendant’s use of force. The refusal to give this instruction was not harmless error where a reasonable view of the evidence supported the defense.
- Matter of Jones (New York State Commn. on Jud. Conduct)2026 NY Slip Op 06236
The Court affirmed the Commission’s determination that the petitioner committed judicial misconduct by using a racial slur and making racially insensitive comments, which violated rules requiring judges to maintain public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality. The Court held that the sanction of removal was warranted due to the egregious nature of the conduct, the petitioner’s lack of credibility, and his failure to accept responsibility for his actions.
- People v Salina B.2026 NY Slip Op 06235
The Court held that the defendant’s challenge to her plea was unpreserved for appellate review because she did not move to withdraw her plea or vacate the judgment. Consequently, the Appellate Division’s order was reversed and the case remitted for further proceedings.
Week ending October 24, 2026
Browse the week ending October 24, 2026
- Genesee County Fish & Game Protective Assn., Inc. v Sullivan2026 NY Slip Op 06168
The Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s grant of summary judgment, holding that the plaintiff established title by adverse possession to the disputed road. The majority found that the plaintiff’s proof of hostile and exclusive possession was sufficient and that defendants failed to raise any triable issue of fact.
- Kolli v Kaleida Health2026 NY Slip Op 06167
The Court held that the physician was covered under the hospital’s self-insurance plan and that the plan constituted an insurance policy subject to ‘other insurance’ clauses. Consequently, the hospital’s coverage was determined to be excess to the primary insurer, with the hospital and excess insurer sharing responsibility on a pro rata basis.
Week ending September 26, 2026
Browse the week ending September 26, 2026
- The People v Dequan Greene2026 NY Slip Op 05440
The Appellate Division did not apply an incorrect legal standard in reviewing the weight of the evidence, and the Court of Appeals lacks further power to review that challenge. The defendant’s remaining contentions are unpreserved for review by the Court of Appeals.
Also decided
- In the Matter of the Hon. Frank M. Mora, a Judge of the Poughkeepsie City Court, Dutchess County 2026 NY Slip Op 05355 September 17, 2026
- MATTER OF CITY OF NY v BALL 252 AD3d 207 April 21, 2026
- PEOPLE v BENDER 45 NY3d 689 March 17, 2026
- PEOPLE v ZUBIDI 46 NY3d 58 February 19, 2026
- People v Rios 46 NY3d 40 February 19, 2026
- Matter of Russell v Town of Mount Pleasant 45 NY3d 677 February 19, 2026
- PEOPLE v GUERRERO 45 NY3d 659 February 17, 2026
- PEOPLE v AMBROSIO 45 NY3d 646 February 17, 2026
- Matter of Coalition for Fairness in Soho & Noho, Inc. v City of New York 46 NY3d 1 January 13, 2026
- PEOPLE v COLLIER 45 NY3d 611 January 8, 2026