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Searching Caselaw

Research NY criminal caselaw with AI assistance.

How Caselaw Search Works​

Second Seat has access to New York criminal caselaw. When you ask legal questions, it will:

  • Find relevant cases
  • Explain the holdings
  • Provide citations you can verify

Effective Research Questions​

Issue-Based Research​

  • "What is the standard for a Terry stop in New York?"
  • "When can a defendant withdraw a guilty plea?"
  • "What constitutes 'depraved indifference' under NY Penal Law?"

Fact-Pattern Research​

  • "Find cases where identification was suppressed due to suggestive procedures"
  • "Cases involving self-defense claims in bar fights"
  • "Appeals where ineffective assistance of counsel was found"

Statutory Research​

  • "How have courts interpreted CPL 30.30 speedy trial requirements?"
  • "What does 'physical injury' mean under the assault statutes?"

Verifying Citations​

Always verify the cases cited by the AI. While Second Seat strives for accuracy:

  1. Check that the case exists
  2. Confirm the holding is accurately stated
  3. Verify the case hasn't been overruled