The Fund For Modern Courts

Improving the administration of justice in New York State

Main Content

  • Access To Justice

    We seek to make the the NYS Court system accessible and and fair to all New Yorkers.
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    Court Simplification

    To provide justice today, we must reform the New York State court system.
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    Judicial Selection

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

    Read the Cameras in the Courts Report

    • 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.

  • Cyrus R. Vance Public Service Award

    The Fund for Modern Courts honored the former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr, with the public service award, named for his father, Cyrus R. Vance, Sr. Presenting the award was the Hon. Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York.
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  • The Impact of COVID-19 on the New York City Family Court: Recommendations on Improving Access to Justice for All Litigants

    The New York City Family Court COVID Work Group

    A Joint Project of the New York City Bar Association and The Fund for Modern Courts

    Read the Family Court COVID Work Group Report

    News Channel 4 New York Investigates: NYC Family Court in Crisis

  • Watch this short video: “What Does Modern Courts Do?”