The Fund For Modern Courts

Improving the administration of justice in New York State

Main Content

Judicial Selection

Improving the methods of selecting judges is the cornerstone of Modern Courts’ mission.
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Court Simplification

To provide justice today, we must reform the New York State court system.
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Access To Justice

We seek to make the the NYS Court system accessible and and fair to all New Yorkers.
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2023 Cyrus R. Vance Award

On May 11th, 2023, we honored and paid tribute to the Hon. Rolando T. Acosta, former Presiding Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, for over 25 years of distinguished public service.

Judge Acosta’s Speech & Event Photo Gallery

Modern Courts Initiatives

We listen to people who use the courts so we can identify which changes are needed to better serve the public.

Our efforts aim to achieve a wide range of improvements in the State judiciary.

Modern Courts News

Cameras in the Courts: Enhancing Transparency in the New York State Judiciary

This report provides a historical view of the audiovisual coverage prohibition in New York’s courts; includes a comprehensive survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia concerning audiovisual coverage of courtroom proceedings; and evaluates in-court camera use on an issue-by-issue basis, including considerations relating to racial justice, judicial transparency, and the interests of litigants and the public.
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New York Courts’ Response to the Pandemic: Observations, Perspectives, and Recommendations

Statement of the Fund for Modern Courts – The Appointment of a New Chief Judge

Modern Courts Opposes Attacks on the Independence of the Judiciary

Senate Confirmation of the New Chief Judge

Family court in crisisFamily court in crisis

NYC Family Court in Crisis, New Report Says

VIDEO: “What Does Modern Courts Do?”