The New York Supreme Court: A Historical Overview
A Court with a Rich History
The New York Supreme Court is the oldest Supreme Court with general original jurisdiction in the United States. It was established as the Supreme Court of Judicature by the New York State Constitution of 1777. Our court is the highest trial-level court for civil cases in the state court system in New York County.
Origins and Jurisdiction
The court traces its origins to the year 1691 and is one of the oldest courts in the nation. The Supreme Court is the trial court of unlimited original jurisdiction. However, it generally hears cases that are outside the jurisdiction of the lower courts, such as complex commercial disputes, major criminal cases, and constitutional challenges.
Part of the Unified Court System
The Supreme Court is part of the New York State Unified Court System. The Unified Court System is the largest court system in the United States, with over 3,000 judges and 13,000 employees. The Supreme Court has a branch in each of New York's 62 counties.
A Busy Court
The Supreme Court hears over three million cases each year, involving almost every type of legal issue imaginable. The court's decisions have a significant impact on the lives of New Yorkers and the development of the law in New York State.
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