Dead Man's Statute in New York generally prohibits what?

• A. Any testimony by the decedent
• B. A party 'interested in the event' testifying against a protected person regarding transactions with the decedent; only applies in specific relationships
• C. Testimony by a party about rumors
• D. Testimony by any witness who is intoxicated

Answer: (B)

New York’s Dead Man’s Statute bars testimony by a party who has an interest in the outcome from testifying against the decedent’s estate about a transaction or communication with the decedent. The restriction applies only in civil actions and only when the witness has a stake in the matter and the testimony concerns dealings with the decedent, typically involving protected persons such as the decedent’s estate or those with an interest in it (heirs, beneficiaries, etc.). This is why the described rule fits: a party “interested in the event” cannot testify against a protected person regarding transactions with the decedent, and the rule applies only in the specific relationships where there is that stake. The other options miss the scope: the statute doesn’t concern “any testimony by the decedent” (the decedent is deceased), it doesn’t bar testimony about rumors, and it doesn’t relate to witnesses being intoxicated.