(1) The rule that statutes in derogation of the common law are to be strictly construed shall have no application to this article. (2) This article shall be so interpreted and construed as to effect its general purpose. (3) This article shall not be so construed as to impair the obligations of any contract existing when this article takes effect, nor to affect any action or proceeding begun or right accrued before this article takes effect.
New York Legal Code