NCJ Number
61990
Date Published
1978
Length
45 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN NEW YORK STATE FOR USE BY MEMBERS OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IS PRESENTED; LEAGUE PARTICIPATION IN JUDICIAL REFORM IS HIGHLIGHTED.
Abstract
THE JUDICIARY IS ONE OF THREE BRANCHES OF NEW YORK STATE GOVERNMENT, THE OTHERS BEING THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE JUDICIARY ARE TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR RESOLUTION OF CIVIL CLAIMS, CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND DISPUTES BETWEEN CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT; TO SUPERVISE THE ADMINISTRATION OF TRUSTS AND ESTATES; TO PROVIDE LEGAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN AND OTHERS ENTITLED TO SPECIAL PROTECTION; AND TO REGULATE THE ADMISSION OF LAWYERS TO THE BAR. NEW YORK HAS 11 TRIAL COURTS OF ORIGINAL JURISDICTION AND 2 APPELLATE COURTS WHICH REVIEW DECISIONS. JUDGES AND JUSTICES IN NEW YORK STATE COME TO THE BENCH IN A VARIETY OF WAYS INCLUDING APPOINTMENT AND ELECTION. THEY ALSO HAVE VARIOUS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SERVE FOR VARYING LENGTHS OF TIME, AND RECEIVE VARYING SALARIES DEPENDING ON THE COURT IN WHICH THEY SERVE. ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIFIED COURT SYSTEM IS CENTRALIZED UNDER THE CHIEF JUDGE OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, WHO IS THE STATE'S CHIEF JUDICIAL OFFICER. FUNDING OF THE COURTS IS IN TRANSITION AT PRESENT. MONITORING OF THE CONDUCT OF ALL JUDGES AND DISCIPLINING THEM IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL CONDUCT. THE LEAGUE'S INVOLVEMENT IN JUDICIAL REFORM BEGAN IN THE 1950'S AND COVERS FIVE MAJOR AREAS INCLUDING THE JUDICIAL FRAMEWORK, COURT STRUCTURE, ADMINISTRATION FISCAL CONTROL, AND JUDICIAL PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION. ALTHOUGH GREAT STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN COURT REFORM IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, THERE ARE STILL UNMET LEAGUE GOALS, MAINLY IN THE AREAS OF COURT CONSOLIDATION, MERIT SELECTION OF JUDGES, AND PRETRIAL PROCEDURES. AN APPENDIX, DIAGRAMS, AND A MAP OF NEW YORK STATE ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANDBOOK. (LWM)