Governor Hochul has a unique opportunity — and a critically important one — to appoint a new Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. The vacancy will occur when Chief Judge Janet DiFiore’s resignation becomes effective on August 31, 2022. Modern Courts strongly urges qualified candidates to apply for this key position, which is crucial to the administration of justice in New York State.
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Access To Justice
We seek to make the the NYS Court system accessible and and fair to all New Yorkers.
Read MoreCourt Simplification
To provide justice today, we must reform the New York State court system.
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Improving the methods of selecting judges is the cornerstone of Modern Courts’ mission.
Read MoreStatement of the Fund for Modern Courts – The Appointment of a New Chief Judge
Spectrum News Report 8/11/2022 – Fund for Modern Courts: Next New York Appeals Court chief judge should have administrative record
by Susan Arbetter on Capital Tonight
According to the Fund for Modern Courts, Gov. Kathy Hochul has an important opportunity to fill the upcoming vacancy on the New York state Court of Appeals with someone who is familiar with the needs of the state’s complex judicial system. Current Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, who was selected by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will be stepping down from her seat on Aug. 31.
According to the chair of the Fund for Modern Courts, Bill Silverman, New York’s court system is the most complex in the country, with 11 separate trial courts, 15,000 employees and a budget of over $2 billion.
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.
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.
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