What is the primary legal role of the New York Supreme Court?

The primary legal role of the New York Supreme Court is to interpret state laws. This court is not just a trial court; rather, it holds significant authority in applying and interpreting the laws of New York State. It engages in judicial review, which allows it to assess the validity of laws and their application in specific cases. By interpreting state laws, the court helps ensure that they are upheld and applied consistently, contributing to the development of legal precedents.

Other roles of the court include hearing civil disputes, overseeing criminal cases, and serving as a court of appeal, but these functions are secondary to its fundamental responsibility of interpreting state laws. Consequently, its interpretations can have lasting implications on how laws are understood and enforced throughout New York, shaping the legal landscape of the state.