Located in the Northeastern portion of the United States, and in the Second Federal Circuit, New York is a state that often sets precedent across the country with its court decisions as well as its legislation and regulations. It is the fourth most populous state in the United States and was one of the 13 original colonies. It was admitted as the eleventh state to the union on July 26, 1788. With 29 votes in the Electoral College, the state is highly prominent and influential in national elections.

New York City is home to nearly 40% of the state’s residents and is the most populous city in the US. The city is a premier gateway for legal immigration into the US; NYC is also home to the United Nations Headquarters. It has often been referred to as the media, financial, and cultural capital of the world, and the world’s most economically-powerful city.

Bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania, New York has a very diverse population. The state shares a maritime border with Connecticut and Rhode Island, and an international border with Canada. New York’s education system is comprised of over 200 public colleges and universities, including Columbia University, Cornell, New York University, and Rockefeller University; all which have been ranked in the top 35 universities in the world.

New York is known worldwide as a cultural center, and for many dangerous incidents which have occurred throughout its history. From the World Trade Center (911 attacks) on September 11, 2001, where two planes were hijacked and flew into the Twin Towers, to the devastation from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, several natural disasters, and terrorist attacks have been plotted in the State, namely its most prominent city, New York City. Heightened security and police forces are often present, especially during major events in the state.

New York State Government consists of a judicial, an executive and a legislative branch mirroring the federal government. New York has had four constitutions since the original colonial charter was replaced in 1777.  The most recent was in 1894; however, there was a constitutional convention as recently as 1967, however, those provisions and amendments were not adopted by the New York electorate.

The Executive branch consists of the elected positions of Governor, Lieutenant Governor,  Attorney General and Comptroller, with over 100 state agencies and 20 departments.  Regulations are compiled in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations and published by the New York Department of State.  The Legislative branch of New York includes the New York State Senate and the New York General Assembly, with powers and procedures again mirroring the federal government.

The New York Unified Court System is overseen by the Chief Judge of the State of New York in concert with the Chief Administrative judge and the Office of Court Administration with other New York agencies playing a smaller role.

The New York State Supreme Court has general jurisdiction in civil cases across New York and criminal cases in New York City.  The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court hears appeals, and the Court of Appeals, that sits in Albany is the highest court in the state.  Individual county courts hear felony criminal cases, and New York Civil Court and New York Criminal Court hear cases around the state. 

The National Law Review covers news, legislation, and litigation from New York. From state regulations on data protection and cybersecurity, same-sex marriage, to employment law, disputes within the workplace and FMLA legislation, are a few of the stories readers will find on the site. Agency news from the NLRB, litigation dealing with social media/online media, budget bills, and the NYSE/world markets, are among the many topics visitors will find on the National Law Review.