DAs Seeks To Block Prosecutorial Misconduct Panel In NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Local district attorneys are seeking to stop the creation of a new prosecutorial misconduct panel created by New York state lawmakers.

The District Attorneys Association of the State of New York on Monday filed a legal action seeking to block the commission's formation and calling the law that governs the panel unconstitutional.

Last week Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation creating the commission to investigate prosecutors for allegations of professional wrong-doing.

District attorneys argue the commission violates the separation of powers by infringing on their independence as elected prosecutors.

A bill to create a misconduct panel passed last year but was shelved after prosecutors demanded changes to the legislation. Lawmakers tweaked the bill, but prosecutors say the changes didn't go far enough.