'Not Idle Speculation': Brooklyn Judge Won't Let Jurors Hear About Plaintiff's Immigration Status While Deciding Damage Award
“Permitting broad inquiry into a person’s immigration status risks creating a significant chilling effect,” said Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Aaron Maslow. “If courtrooms are perceived as opportunities for [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] enforcement, undocumented immigrants might cease to exercise the civil right of pursuing compensation for personal injuries resulting from a tortfeasor’s negligence.