The COVID-19 pandemic was arguably the most disruptive event in the history of the New York Courts, and it brought significant hardship to many individuals who depend on the court system. That hardship cannot be undone, but our sincere hope is that this report will be an important step along the path to improving the performance of the courts and ensuring that the next time there is a significant disruption, the courts are prepared. [Read more…] about New York Courts’ Response to the Pandemic: Observations, Perspectives, and Recommendations
News
When Covid-19 hit, the New York City Family Court came to a screeching halt for thousands of vulnerable families with children, revealing “deep inequities” and technical shortcomings that predated the pandemic, according to a report prepared by the NYC Bar Association and The Fund for Modern Courts.
The Committee for Modern Courts supports the Judiciary’s FY 2025 Budget Request of $2.7 billion. While this is an increase of 7.2% from Enacted FY 2024 funding, it represents an essential investment in the core operations and obligations of our courts and system of justice. This budget request will enable the courts to fulfill their mission to deliver justice in a manner that reflects the full measure of New York’s commitment to an effective judicial system and ensuring access to justice for all New York residents.
New York state has regularly added new judge positions to the court system in an attempt to address a backlog and the governor signed a bill as recently as last month doing just that.
However, the state Constitution caps the number of new state Supreme Court slots lawmakers can add based on population in the 13 judicial districts.
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.
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.
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