2006 New York Code - Trial by jury; how waived.

 
    §  2.  Trial  by  jury  in  all  cases in which it has heretofore been
  guaranteed by constitutional provision shall remain  inviolate  forever;
  but  a jury trial may be waived by the parties in all civil cases in the
  manner to be prescribed by law. The legislature may provide, however, by
  law, that a verdict may be rendered by not less than five-sixths of  the
  jury  in  any civil case. A jury trial may be waived by the defendant in
  all criminal cases, except those in  which  the  crime  charged  may  be
  punishable  by death, by a written instrument signed by the defendant in
  person in open court before and with the approval of a judge or  justice
  of  a  court having jurisdiction to try the offense. The legislature may
  enact laws, not inconsistent  herewith,  governing  the  form,  content,
  manner  and  time  of  presentation  of the instrument effectuating such
  waiver.