New York's Top Court Upholds Ethics Panel's Authority in Cuomo Case
The Court of Appeals ruled 4-3 that the state ethics commission can continue investigating former Governor Cuomo's book deal, rejecting his constitutional challenge.
- The New York Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) in a narrow 4-3 decision.
- Former Governor Andrew Cuomo challenged the commission, arguing it violated the state constitution's separation of powers by limiting executive authority over ethics enforcement.
- The commission is investigating Cuomo's $5.1 million book deal from 2020, alleging misuse of state resources despite prior conditional approval for the project.
- The court's majority opinion emphasized the need for independent ethics enforcement to maintain public trust and accountability in government.
- The decision allows COELIG, established in 2022, to continue its work, preserving its ability to enforce lobbying and public officer laws statewide.
Gothamist 
New York Post 