Should NYer's have a Constitutional Right to Clean Air and Water, and a Healthful Environment?

This question is on the ballot on November 2nd.

The answer seems simple, but with early voting starting in New York this Saturday, October 23rd, have you considered the implications of Proposal 2 of the statewide ballot, to make New Yorkers have a constitutional right to "clean air and water, and a healthful environment?"

In 1996, the highest court in New York, the Court of Appeals, explained that a constitutional right may provide for an "action for damages for violation... against a government or individual defendants." However, the Court did not say that all constitutional violations give way to a damages action, in that case, Brown v. State. So, it remains unclear if courts will permit private citizens to be awarded damages from polluters if Proposal 2 is passed in the statewide ballot. That being said, Senator Robert Jackson, who sponsored Proposal 2, believes that the amendment will give New Yorkers "the right to take legal action for a clean environment," per BallotPedia. 

Do you think that private citizens should be awarded damages for suing companies that damage our clean air, water and a healthful environment? Shouldn't the money go back to the State to fix the damage rather than into a private individual's pocket? 

Where is the line? 

Should truck drivers be sued if they don't switch to electric vehicles? 

How about private jet passengers? 

Shouldn't this be thought-out before we open the private lawsuit free-for-all? 

Attorney Andrew Lieb Discusses White House Response to TX & FL Mandate Bans with BNC

Attorney Andrew Lieb discusses White House Response to Texas and Florida mandate bans on BNC.

Attorney Andrew Lieb Provides Legal Analysis on NY's Vaccine Mandate For School Staff and State Workers on PIX 11 News NY

Attorney Andrew Lieb interviewed on PIX11 NY 10pm news on New Jersey vaccine mandate for school staff and state workers.

Podcast | Divorce Visitation for Unvaccinated Parents + How Raiders Coach Resignation will Spur Discrimination Lawsuits

 

This episode dives into the resignation of Jon Gruden (Raiders Coach) and how his email reveal will spur discrimination lawsuits + how online sports gambling should turn into online lawsuit gambling to follow suit. Speaking of gambling, we discuss whether divorce child visitation should be impacted by COVID vaccination status and to get the answers from the source, we bring on our special guest Divorce Attorney Evan Schein, who just litigated this issue in Supreme Court. To learn the spread before you put down your coin, tune into the Lieb Cast.

No More Confidential Settlements in Discrimination Cases Brought Before the New York State Division of Human Rights

Starting on October 12, 2021, discrimination cases before the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) are no longer permitted to conclude with a private settlement. 

Instead, if settlement is achieved, DHR is now requiring "complainant’s attorney [] to state in writing why they are seeking a discontinuance and, if the reason is private settlement, the discontinuance will not be granted." Rather, "the matter [will be resolved] through an Order after stipulation that indicates the terms of the settlement or to proceed through the agency’s public hearing process." 

The purpose of this new rule, according to DHR, is "to ensure that the terms of any settlement comply with our basic standards and do not violate public policy."

Further, given that three-quarters of discrimination cases result in settlement, DHR will be able to collect better data of what is happening in resolving these disputes by monitoring settlements. Hopefully, DHR will actively compile this data and inform the public of their findings so that litigants can make smart, informed decisions, when settling cases into the future.