People v. Skrynski

There are two significant issues. The first attacks, on due process constitutional grounds, the use of nonlawyer town and village Justices. The second involves the alleged lack of opportunity by defendant to be advised of his right to counsel and the availability of such counsel.

On the first due process issue the State Constitution provides for the continuance of town and village courts as they existed in the past (NY Const, art VI, § 17, subd a). The State Constitution also provides the Legislature with the power, subject to some limitations, to change the jurisdiction of town and village…