People v. Tissois

OPINION OF THE COURT

Alexander, J.

Statements made to a registered social worker, during the course of that worker’s employment, are deemed confidential communications protected from disclosure by statute (CPLR 4508). We hold that defendant’s claim of entitlement under People v Rosario (9 NY2d 286) to statements made by prosecution witnesses to a social worker employed by the Brooklyn Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is insufficient, in the circumstances presented, to overcome this statutory privilege properly invoked at trial.

Defendant was convicted of rape in the second…