moderncourts

Michael Miller, our Board Member and author of Modern Courts’ report on Cameras in the Courts, moderated a panel presented by the NYSBA on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 entitled “The Audio-Visual Coverage of Judicial Proceedings: Laws, Policy, and Tech.”

The panelists have varied backgrounds, all with experience and insight into the use of cameras in courtrooms, the laws across the country as well as the legislative battle in New York State. The feedback we’ve received from the program has been overwhelmingly positive. The video is now available on demand, and until May 1st, it can be accessed for free.

View the Video 

Panelists

Susan C. Bryant, Esq.
New York State Defenders Association

Justin Harrison, Esq.
ACLU of New York

Diane Kennedy
New York News Publishers Association

Dan Novack, Esq. 
Penguin Random House

Sean Nuttall, Esq. 
Office of the Appellate Defender

Mickey H. Osterreicher, Esq
National Press Photographers Association

Moderator

Michael C. Miller, Esq.
Fund for Modern Courts

The No Cap Act, lifting the cap on the number of Supreme Court Judges, received first passage by the NYS Legislation.

Background

The No Cap Act would amend the State Constitution to remove the cap on the number of Supreme Court justices that can serve a particular judicial district. New York’s antiquated and inefficient method for allocating judicial resources negatively impacts the administration of justice not just in the Supreme Court but also in the other courts within the Unified Court System, including what are often called the People’s Courts – the Family Court, Civil Court and local criminal courts.

Since this bill is an amendment to the State Constitution, it will need to pass both houses of the Legislature in two successive legislative sessions before it can be placed on a ballot for consideration by voters.

 

New Protocols Aim to Reduce Felony Case Delays.

October 10, 2024

NEW YORK CITY—Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George today announced a series of innovations in court operations to help expedite the processing of felony cases and reduce unnecessary delays in New York City’s criminal courts, enhancing both fairness and public safety.

Chief among these new measures are protocols to more effectively and efficiently oversee the discovery process at every stage, identify and resolve obstacles to ensure that cases are trial-ready, and monitor timelines throughout the progression of the case.

Read the full news release

A statewide coalition of immigration and family law experts compiled a series of legal reference guides in 2017 on the complex intersection of family court issues and federal immigration laws, policy, and enforcement. We have updated these guides in 2024 with current guidance.

These legal reference guides are created for all who use the courts. We focus on providing members of the NYS judiciary and court personnel with an accessible resource that presents the important role of state court judges. The materials are also useful for attorneys, community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies and the public.

Go to the Immigrants and State Courts website