Hurrell-Harring v. State

OPINION OF THE COURT

Kavanagh, J.

Plaintiffs commenced this action against defendant State of New York1 seeking a declaration that the State’s public defense system is systemically deficient and presents a grave and unacceptable risk that indigent criminal defendants are being or will be denied their constitutional right to meaningful and effective assistance of counsel. Plaintiffs also sought an injunction requiring defendants to provide a system that is consistent with those guarantees. Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction and, thereafter, the State moved to dismiss the complaint…