Amicus Briefs – Citizens Union

Watchdogs Support NY Post FOIL Lawsuit Requesting Police Disciplinary Records Prior to June 2020

December 6, 2024 - Watchdog groups Reinvent Albany, Citizens Union, and Common Cause NY submitted an amicus brief to the New York State Court of Appeals supporting the New York Post’s lawsuit seeking the public disclosure of police disciplinary records created prior to June 2020, when the state law repealing §50-a of the Civil Rights Law took effect. The groups advocate for open and accountable government in New York, including strengthening the state’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), and supported the repeal of 50-a in 2022.

Watchdog Groups File Amicus Brief to Court of Appeals that Ethics Commission Is Constitutional

August 26, 2024 - In a joint new Amicus Brief to New York’s highest court, groups argue the appointment process for the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) is clearly lawful

State Ethics Commission Is Constitutional Say Civic and Watchdog Groups in Amicus Brief

December 18, 2023 - Citizens Union joins six other groups in an amicus brief for consideration to the Third Department, Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court in Cuomo v. NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. In sum, the brief underscores the compelling need for an independent statewide ethics commission in New York; identifies the failures of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE); and supports the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) appointment process.

Citizens Union Files Amicus Brief Urging Court to Give Weight to Anti-Gerrymandering Provision in State Constitution

April 24, 2022 - Citizens Union filed an amicus brief in the matter of Harkenrider v. Hochul, the case challenging the newly drawn congressional and legislative district maps in New York, which is now before the New York Court of Appeals. Citizens Union joined the Campaign Legal Center in filing this brief.

Citizens Union and Civic Groups Defends NYC Campaign Finance System in Amicus Brief, Ognibene v. Parkes

July 2, 2012 - New York City’s model public financing system must be upheld, replicated statewide. Good Government Groups file brief in Ognibene v. Parkes.