Sets the level of deference given by the appellate division to the jury's fact finding

This bill (S 8625) requires New York appellate courts to give the highest level of respect to juries' factual findings - including their assessment of damages - in civil cases. It changes the standard for overturning jury awards: courts may only reduce or increase a damage award if the party challenging it proves, with clear and convincing evidence, that the award is so unreasonable it "shocks the conscience" and no reasonable jury could have reached it. This directly affects parties in civil lawsuits where juries determine damages, particularly cases with itemized verdicts. The law applies immediately to all civil actions filed after its effective date.