Law is always changing, and keeping up with new developments is an essential part of practicing law. This is especially true for lawyers whose practices focus on “new law,” which can encompass areas such as working with underserved communities or creating strategies that aren’t typically seen in traditional practice settings. The idea of “new law” can be challenging to pin down, but it’s a concept that all lawyers should pay close attention to because it is one area of the legal industry likely to continue growing.
Law of the Land
The law of New York encompasses constitutional, statutory, regulatory and case law. In addition, the City Charter and Administrative Code contain specific laws (ordinances) passed by the Mayor and Council. A variety of government agencies also enforce local laws, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Board of Education and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
New York State Legislature
The legislative process for enacting laws in the State of New York involves drafting bills, committee review, floor debate and voting. These processes reflect democratic principles and enable constituents to influence public policy, reflecting the needs and priorities of the electorate. New laws are often created in response to specific events or social movements, and they can be amended during the legislative process to address additional concerns.
New Natural Law Theory
The “New Natural Law” or “NNL” is a revival and development of Thomistic natural law theory, originally formulated by Germain Grisez in the 1960s to challenge the dominant interpretation of St Thomas Aquinas on natural law theory. NNL scholars have developed and expanded on Grisez’s work, applying it to contemporary issues such as free choice, moral absolutes, abortion and euthanasia.
NYLS Faculty
New York Law School professors are dedicated educators and renowned experts in their fields. They are committed to teaching and contributing to the public discourse, and their scholarship addresses a range of topics, from historical and modern freedom of expression to the law of international war crimes.
Fall 2023 Faculty Highlights
NYLS is proud to celebrate the scholarship and professional achievements of our full-time faculty members. Read about a few of their accomplishments from the past academic year: