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.
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
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.