Opinions
Numerical index
Search for an opinion by finding the opinion by year or summary number in the numerical index.
Subject index
Search for an opinion by finding the subject of the opinion in the subject index.
Statutory index
Search for opinions by finding a relevant statute in the statutory index and clicking a specific opinion number.
Opinions are issued in response to requests by state agency officials and local government attorneys. The opinions fall into two broad categories: formal and informal opinions. Formal opinions are those issued to state departments and agencies. They are called "formal" because the New York State Attorney General signs them as chief legal officer of the state. Informal opinions are issued to local governments at the request of the attorney for the local government, who is the municipality's chief legal officer. Opinions issued to the municipal attorney are labeled "informal" because it is ultimately the responsibility of the municipal attorney to provide advice to the local government.
This website contains the opinions of the New York State Attorney General issued since 1995. You can access opinions by numerical index, subject, or statute.