New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00123

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Summary

Bill A00123 amends the criminal procedure law to establish a presumption against the admissibility of a defendant's creative or artistic expression as evidence in criminal proceedings. It stipulates that such evidence can only be admitted if the proffering party can demonstrate its relevance and admissibility through clear and convincing evidence. The bill defines 'creative expression' broadly, encompassing various forms of art including music, literature, and visual arts, and mandates that courts apply careful considerations when admitting such evidence.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of evidence admissibility in criminal trials, particularly in cases where a defendant's artistic works are involved. It would protect defendants from having their creative expressions used against them unless stringent criteria are met, thereby potentially reducing the influence of artistic works in legal proceedings and safeguarding artistic freedom.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00123 appears to be generally favorable, as indicated by the Assembly Codes Committee's vote of 15 in favor and 6 against. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary protection for artists and creators, while some opponents express concerns about potential implications for justice and the prosecution of crimes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from some lawmakers regarding the potential for the bill to hinder the prosecution of cases where a defendant's creative expression may be directly relevant to the crime. Critics argue that this could create challenges in establishing accountability for actions that are reflected in a defendant's artistic works. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of protecting artistic expression from being misused in legal contexts.

Companion Bills

NY S00464

Same As Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

NY S09632

Same As Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

Previously Filed As

NY S09632

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

NY A00127

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

NY S01738

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

NY S00464

Establishes an assumption of the inadmissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression against such defendant in a criminal proceeding; requires the proffering party to affirmatively prove that the evidence is admissible by clear and convincing evidence.

NY HB2677

Establishes provisions relating to the admissibility of a defendant's creative or artistic expression as evidence

NY HB237

Evidence; admissibility of creative or artistic expression evidence at trial; provide

NY SB661

Establishes the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, which provides for the admissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression

NY SB648

Establishes the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, which provides for the admissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression

NY HB1040

Establishes provisions relating to the admissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression

NY HB1389

Establishes provisions relating to the admissibility of evidence of a defendant's creative or artistic expression

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.