May 13, 2008
The Fund for Modern Courts, together with the New York State Bar Association sponsored a legal education program entitled: Challenges to Justice in Domestic Violence Cases in New York State: Gaps, Successes and the Future. Domestic Violence continues to be prevalent in New York State. Each day, victims of domestic violence enter our court system seeking protection from abusers. Many innovations have enhanced the ability of the courts to meaningfully address domestic violence but gaps exist. The panelists discussed the challenges, gaps and successes of the New York State court system. The program focused on the providing greater access to the Family Court, the value of Integrated Domestic Violence and Domestic Violence courts, and the opportunities for more training and education of judges in our town and village courts. The panelists addressed the issues from the perspective of legislators, the judiciary, prosecutors, educators, defense counsel and victims of domestic violence.
Panelists:
Hon. George H. Winner, Jr., Senator representing Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, and part of Yates Counties; Charlotte Watson, Special Projects Coordinator, Judicial Institute, NYS Office of Court Administration, former Executive Director, NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; Patti Jo Newell, Deputy Director/Director of Public Policy, The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Hon. Linda Christopher, Judge of the Family Court and Integrated Domestic Violence Court, Rockland County; Hon. James A. Murphy III, District Attorney, Saratoga County; Stephanie Nilva, Esq., Executive Director of Day One and Defense Counsel, to be announced.