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.
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.
Modern Courts opposes attacks on the independence of the Judiciary. Provisions of Senate Budget Bills 4001-A and 4005-B that would impose unnecessary and intrusive reporting requirements on the Judiciary concerning training, performance and security will do just that. The harm would be compounded by the unprecedented imposition of a $10 million penalty, to be deducted from the already bare-bones budget on which the Unified Court System operates, for failing to submit the improper reports.
On May 11th, 2023, we honored and paid tribute to the Hon. Rolando T. Acosta, former Presiding Justice of the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, for over 25 years of distinguished public service.
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