How is a "frivolous" lawsuit characterized in New York?

A "frivolous" lawsuit in New York is characterized as one that lacks a legal or factual basis and is often intended to harass or annoy the opposing party. This definition aligns with the state's standards for what constitutes frivolous litigation, which are focused on the intent behind the filing of the lawsuit as well as its substantive merit.

In New York, courts discourage frivolous lawsuits because they undermine the judicial system and waste judicial resources. A lawsuit is considered frivolous if it is brought without any valid legal grounds or factual evidence to support the claims made, and particularly if it is intended to cause unnecessary distress or inconvenience to another party. This focus not only addresses the substance of the lawsuit itself but also the motivations behind it, making it clear that such actions are not tolerated within the judicial framework.

This characterization addresses concerns about the equity and integrity of the legal process, emphasizing that while individuals have the right to seek legal redress, that right does not extend to using the courts as a tool for harassment or intimidation. Other definitions of frivolous lawsuits, which might suggest that a case could be well-founded but poorly presented or aimed primarily at delaying proceedings, do not capture the essence of what makes a lawsuit frivolous under New York law.