No Non-Pecuniary Damages For Malpractice In New York Criminal Cases

The New York Court of Appeals has held that a plaintiff suing for legal malpractice in a criminal case may not recover non-pecuniary damages.

The court found no “compelling reason” for a contrary result, which would have “negative, and at worst, devastating consequences for the criminal justice system” by discouraging attorneys from undertaking court-appointed criminal defense work. (Mike Frisch)