CPLR 4404(a).

A motion to set aside a jury verdict and for judgment as a matter of law will be granted only if, based on the evidence presented at trial, there is no valid line of reasoning and permissible inferences which could possibly lead a rational jury to the conclusion it reached.

Anarumo v. Herzog, NY Slip Op 00297 (2d Dep't January 19, 2022)

Here is the decision.

A plaintiff's motion to proceed in anonymity.

The court must exercise its discretion to limit the public nature of judicial proceedings only when unusual circumstances necessitate it. Here, plaintiffs submitted an attorney affirmation which merely repeated the relief requested in the order to show cause and made a single vague statement that plaintiffs might suffer further mental harm if their identities were revealed. Plaintiffs failed to provide any specific evidence as to why each unnamed plaintiff should be entitled to proceed anonymously. The motion is denied without prejudice to a new motion or motions supported by proper papers.

Twersky v. Yeshiva Univ., NY Slip Op 00366 (1st Dep't January 20, 2022)

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Res ipsa loquitur.

Res ipsa loquitur applies when a plaintiff establishes that: (1) the accident is of a kind that ordinarily does not occur in the absence of someone's negligence; (2) the accident was caused by an agency or instrumentality within the defendant's exclusive control; and (3) the accident was not due to any voluntary action or contribution on the part of the plaintiff. Notice is inferred where res ipsa loquitur applies.

Valdez v. Upper Creston, LLC, NY Slip Op 00367 (1st Dep't January 20, 2022)

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A malicious prosecution claim.

The elements of a claim for malicious prosecution are (1) the commencement or continuation of a criminal proceeding by the defendant against the plaintiff; (2) the termination of the proceeding in favor of the plaintiff; (3) the absence of probable cause for the criminal proceeding; and (4) actual malice. Although probable cause and malice are independent elements, the finder of fact may infer malice from a lack of probable cause. 

Vizcaino v. City of New York, NY Slip Op 00293 (1st Dep't January 18, 2022)

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Jurisdiction in a landlord-tenant dispute.

The Appellate Division reversed the motion court's sua sponte dismissal of the complaint on the ground that this is a landlord-tenant dispute that should have been brought as a summary proceeding in Civil Court. Supreme Court has unlimited general jurisdiction over all real property actions, including those commenced by a landlord against a tenant. In its discretion, the Supreme Court may decline to hear such an action on the ground that a pending action in Civil Court is the proper forum.

A&L 1664 LLC v. Jaspar Hospitality LLC, NY Slip Op 00264 (1st Dep't January 18, 2022)

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Appellate practice.

An order issued sua sponte is not appealable as of right, pursuant to CPLR 5701[a][2]. However, the Appellate Division may deem the notice of appeal a motion for leave to appeal, and grant leave, pursuant to CPLR 5701[c].

A&L 1664 LLC v. Jaspar Hospitality LLC, NY Slip Op 00264 (1st Dep't January 18, 2022)

Here is the decision.

A motion for a preliminary injunction.

The motion is denied because plaintiff seeks injunctive relief that, effectively, is the ultimate relief sought in the first cause of action. In addition, plaintiff alleges harm that is compensable by measurable money damages, and, therefore, it is not irreparable.

Montgomery v. 215 Chrystie LLC, NY Slip Op 00253 (1st Dep't January 13, 2022)

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CPLR 3215.

A plaintiff seeking leave to enter a default judgment must file proof of: (1) service of a copy or copies of the summons and the complaint; (2) the facts constituting the claim; and (3) the defendant's default. In order to defeat a facially sufficient motion, the defendant must show either that there was no default, or that it had a reasonable excuse for its delay and a potentially meritorious defense.

U.S. Bank N.A. v. Crockett, NY Slip Op 00211 (2d Dep't January 12, 2022)

Here is the decision.

Summary judgment motions.

The motion court will not consider an affidavit submitted in opposition when the facts alleged therein materially conflict with the party's prior deposition testimony.

Lambert v. Bonilla, NY Slip Op 00251 (1st Dep't January 13, 2022)

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Respondeat superior.

Plaintiff alleges that defendant's security guard sprayed him with a white powder, causing injuries to plaintiff. However, plaintiff fails to allege that the guard was acting within the scope of his duties for defendant, and, therefore, fails to state a cause of action against defendant.

Moroshkin v. Trinity Church, NY Slip Op 00254 (1st Dep't January 13, 2022)

Here is the decision.

Partnership Law § 51(1).

"A partner is co-owner with his partners of specific partnership property holding as a tenant in partnership." On the death of a partner, his right in specific partnership property vests in the surviving partner or partners. A deceased partner's representative is not entitled to participate in, or interfere with, the continuation of or winding up of partnership business by the surviving partner or partners.

Abruzzi v. Bond Realty Inc., NY Slip Op 00156 (2d Dep't January 12, 2022)

Here is the decision.