The Text

The jurisdiction of the court of appeals, except where the judgment is of death, or where the appellate division, on reversing or modifying a final judgment in an action or a final order in a special proceeding, makes new findings of fact and renders final judgment or a final order thereon, shall be limited to the review of questions of law; but the right to appeal shall not depend upon the amount involved.
Appeals may be taken to the court of appeals in the classes of cases enumerated in this section.
In criminal cases, directly from a court of original jurisdiction where the judgment is of death, and in other criminal cases from an appellate division or otherwise as the legislature may from time to time provide.
In civil cases and proceedings as follows:
(1) As of right, from a judgment or order entered upon the decision of an appellate division of the supreme court which finally determines an action or special proceeding wherein is directly involved the construction of the constitution of the state or of the United States, or where one or more of the justices of the appellate division dissents from the decision of the court, or where the judgment or order is one of reversal or modification.
(2) As of right, from an order of the appellate division granting a new trial where the appellant stipulates that, upon affirmance, judgment absolute shall be rendered against him.
(3) As of right, from a judgment or order of a court of record of original jurisdiction which finally determines an action or special proceeding where the only question involved on the appeal is the validity of a statutory provision of the state or of the United States under the constitution of the state or of the United States: and on any such appeal only the constitutional question shall be considered and determined by the court.
(4) From a determination of the appellate division of the supreme court in any department, other than a judgment or order which finally determines an action or special proceeding, where the appellate division allows the same and certifies that one or more questions of law have arisen which, in its opinion, ought to be reviewed by the court of appeals, but in such case the appeal shall bring up for review only the question or questions so certified; and the court of appeals shall certify to the appellate division its determination upon such question or questions.
(5) From a judgment or order entered upon the decision of an appellate division of the supreme court which finally determines an action or special proceeding but which is not appealable under subdivision one of this section where the appellate division shall certify that in its opinion a question of law is involved which ought to be reviewed by the court of appeals, or where, in case of the refusal so to certify, an appeal is allowed by the court of appeals. Such an appeal shall be allowed when required in the interest of substantial justice. The legislature may further restrict the jurisdiction of the court of appeals and the right of appeal thereto. No appeal shall be taken to said court of appeals from a final judgment or order of the appellate division in any civil case or proceeding originally commenced in any court other than the supreme court, a county court, a surrogate’s court, or a court of claims or board of audit unless the appellate division of the supreme court shall certify that in its opinion a question of law is involved which ought to be reviewed by the court of appeals.