A New Yorker put an “I Voted” sticker on his jacket after voting in Brooklyn in the 2020 election. “If young people see that they can play a role in the development of society and the law, even before they are old enough to vote or serve on a jury, they will feel more empowered to exercise their rights and, consequently, help to strengthen our democracy,” First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick writes. Photo: Ryland West/ALM
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How New York Selects and Elects Its Judges
By Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge, New York State Unified Court System
Understanding how elections work is essential to any basic understanding of how democracies function. But New Yorkers, in my experience, know very little about how judges are chosen in our state, even though most people appreciate that the courts have a profound impact on their lives.
By Norman St. George, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, New York State Unified Court System
As a court system, we must educate the public and our youth about the role of the Judiciary and the importance of our courts in our democratic system of government.
Creating the Next Generation of Engaged Citizens
By Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice, First Department
We will pursue our mission of creating the next generation of engaged citizens by educating students on how our laws are implemented, expanding their understanding of our judicial system, and exposing them to career opportunities in the courts.
A Recommitment to Civic Engagement
By Hector D. LaSalle, Presiding Justice, Second Department
The ability to exchange ideas with others around the globe in real time is a technological marvel that has provided the world with considerable positive outcomes. Conversely, the digital world has also provided society with situations not immediately apparent in 1996.
Integrity and Moderation: Fostering Faith in the Judiciary
By Elizabeth A. Garry, Presiding Justice, Third Department
The authority and legitimacy of courts to resolve legal disputes lies at the very heart of the democracy that we shape through our vote.
Regardless of Judicial Philosophy, Judges Want Just Results in Each Case
By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Fourth Department
Regardless of their judicial philosophy, judges want very much to reach a just result in each case. In this way, we endeavor to fulfill our obligation to work toward the most equitable interpretation of the law, and to allow the voices of democracy to be fairly heard.
How To Counter Apathy Among Young Voters When the Majority Are Not Planning To Vote in 2024
By Richard C. Lewis, President, New York State Bar Association
When more young people vote and get involved, more people listen to their voices. Part of the problem is that Americans—especially young voters—are overwhelmingly not informed about civics and how our government works.
By Jerry H. Goldfeder, Chair, Task Force on Voting Rights and Democracy
Bar associations and a variety of civic groups across the country are working overtime to preserve our democratic norms and the rule of law—and these efforts are deep and broad.
Calling All Lawyers To Protect the 2024 Election
By Susan J. Kohlmann, President, New York City Bar Association
What can lawyers do about disinformation? What they do best: Speak! The sentiment among our panel was that while our national politics seem toxic, there tends to be more of a sense of community and willingness to reach across the partisan divide on the local level.
Threats to Election Workers: How Lawyers Should Respond
By Marcy L. Kahn and Alan Rothstein, Co-Chairs, Task Force on the Rule of Law
A threat to an election worker is a threat to our democracy. Those who pitch vitriol at these dedicated public servants seek to undermine our trust in what they do, and thereby our trust in the worth of elections.
Giving a Stronger Voice to Smaller Donors By Joanna Zdanys, Senior Counsel, and Marina Pino, Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice
New York’s Public Campaign Finance Program, which boosts the value of constituents’ small campaign donations with government funding, is in effect for the first time for the 2024 state legislative elections. This is an investment in civic participation at a time when American democracy really needs it.
The Case for Moving NYC Elections to Even-Numbered Years By Frederick P. Schaffer
Consolidating city elections with races for president or governor is the easiest way to increase the number of New Yorkers voting in races for key city offices. Not only will this dramatically boost voter turnout, it will lead to a more diverse, inclusive electorate.
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