Carmody v. New York University

**Carmody v. New York University: Court Upholds Professional Discipline for Federal Convictions** Three doctors were suspended and censured by New York's Board of Regents after being convicted of contempt of Congress in federal court. The physicians challenged this disciplinary action, arguing that contempt of Congress isn't a crime under New York state law, so the state board shouldn't be able to punish them for it. The court sided with the Board of Regents. The judge ruled that New York's Education Law allows professional licensing boards to discipline licensed professionals for any criminal conviction from any competent court, even if the underlying conduct wouldn't be considered a crime under New York state law specifically. Since the doctors were convicted in a legitimate federal court, the state board had the authority to take disciplinary action against their professional licenses. **What this means for workers:** If you hold a professional license (like doctors, nurses, lawyers, or other licensed professionals), be aware that criminal convictions at any level—federal, state, or local—can potentially affect your professional license, even if the crime isn't specifically defined under your state's laws. Professional licensing boards have broad authority to protect public safety by disciplining licensees with criminal records.