Res. No. 7
Title
Resolution commending Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for enacting legislation, which increased the number of Family Court judges throughout the state and urging them to continue to regularly assess the need to appoint more judges in New York City
Body
By Council Members Barron, Brannan and Koslowitz
Whereas, Family Court judges play an important role in our judicial system; and
Whereas, Each day, Family Court judges are charged with making critical decisions that
have a direct and immediate impact on the safety and stability of children and families alike; and
Whereas, Family Court judges preside over important cases involving minors, including juvenile delinquency charges, child abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, adoption, and guardianships; and
Whereas, Additionally, victims of domestic or intimate partner violence may seek
recourse at a family court to obtain an order of protection, in which the judge can order a
respondent to stay away from a victim's home, work place, or other locations; and
Whereas, Despite their commitment to meting out justice, Family Court judges have been
saddled with overwhelming caseloads; and
Whereas, Individuals face exorbitant delays in family courts because of the amount of cases on a judge's calendar;
Whereas, According to the New York Law Journal, no new Family Court judge positions were created in New York City since 1990 and since 2005 in the rest of the state; and
Whereas, Recognizing the need to ease the strain on family courts, State Senator John
Bonacic and Assemblywoman Helene E. Weinstein introduced S.07883 and A.10139, respectively, which amended the New York State Family Court Act by increasing the number of Family Court Judges by 25 throughout the state; and
Whereas, S.07883 and A.10139 increased the number of Family Court judges in New York City by 9 (bringing the total to 56, effective January 1, 2015) and adde...
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