What is the maximum sanction for a frivolous claim?

• A. $10,000
• B. $5,000
• C. $1,000
• D. $20,000

Answer: (A)

Frivolous conduct is penalized to deter wasteful litigation and to compensate the other side for time and resources wasted. In New York, when a claim is found to be frivolous, the court may impose monetary sanctions, and there is a cap on how much can be sanctioned. That cap is ten thousand dollars, which is the maximum amount the court can order as a sanction for a frivolous claim in this context. The sanction aims to punish and deter, not to punish beyond a reasonable deterrent, and it can be imposed against the attorney or the client, often alongside awarding the other side’s costs and fees incurred because of the frivolous filing. Since the question asks for the maximum sanction, ten thousand dollars is the correct figure.