New York Law Watch
Week ending February 28, 2026
3 decision records: 2 meet the substance floor; 1 record is held from search listings.
Decision dates in this week run from February 26, 2026 to February 27, 2026, from 2 courts.
By court
Appellate Division, Third Department
- Frasier v Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.252 AD3d 154
The court reversed the lower court’s stay and referral to the Public Service Commission, holding that the primary jurisdiction doctrine did not apply because the claims were common-law torts requiring judicial determination of duty and causation. The PSC’s regulatory standards set only a minimum safety floor and do not dispositive the specific duty of care regarding stray voltage’s impact on cattle.
Supreme Court, New York County
- J. Doe 1 v Trustees of Columbia Univ. in the City of N.Y.89 Misc 3d 1094
The court held that Columbia University’s disciplinary determinations were arbitrary and capricious because they relied on sealed arrest records, which are inadmissible under CPL 160.50 and 160.60, to establish the students’ presence in Hamilton Hall. Additionally, the court found that even if the arrest evidence were admissible, the record lacked sufficient evidence of individual conduct to support several of the charged violations.
Also decided
- DISABILITY RIGHTS NY v STATE 252 AD3d 161 February 26, 2026
Published February 28, 2026. Updated November 14, 2026.