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New Podcast Series: Wrecking Ball with Adrian Untermyer

September 19, 2023Historical Society of the New York CourtsBlog

The Historical Society of the New York Courts has long been involved in exploring the intersection of the law and art and architecture, particularly in courthouses and the messages the art in courthouses say about the judicial process. However, there is still so much to dive into in preservation and the law.

Enter Wrecking Ball: Tales of Preservation, the Law, and the Places New Yorkers Love.

This is something podcast host Adrian Untermyer is truly passionate about. He is an attorney, urbanist, and historian working at the crossroads of historic preservation, the law, and the American city who comes from a long line of preservationists. One of his earliest projects with the Society was serving as editor-in-chief and co-author of the legal history of New York County. He previously served as deputy director of the Historic Districts Council, and currently works in-house as an attorney in the transportation sector.

On August 16, 2023, Village Preservation hosted Wrecking Ball: How Government Has Shaped New York’s Defining Preservation Battles, an event to launch the series. It featured a presentation by Adrian along with a conversation with Andrew Berman at the historic Jefferson Market Library (a former courthouse). The program covered some important moments of historic preservation, major figures in ensuring access to these important sites, and the future of the field.

Subscribe to Wrecking Ball on your favorite podcast carrier!

Share your thoughts with us! Join the conversation on social media; use the hashtag #WreckingBallPod!

Rediscovering History: The Lemmon Slave Case and the Traveling Exhibit

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023Historical Society of the New York CourtsBlog

In the midst of the struggle for abolition, New Yorkers had the chance to witness an important turning point in the fight for freedom. This is the tale of the Lemmon Slave Case, a legal battle that unfolded in the 1850s, challenging the very foundations of slavery and leaving a lasting imprint on our nation’s story.

Why the Lemmon Case Matters

The Lemmon Slave Case isn’t just a story from the past; it’s a testament to the power of local laws in the fight against slavery. Imagine this: a Virginian slaveholder, Jonathan Lemmon, brought enslaved individuals into New York, only to have our state’s courts acknowledge the simple truth that these individuals should be free. This decision showed states and citizens that they could stand up against slavery, in defiance of an unjust system.

“The law of nature says that there can be no property in a slave.”
— Judge Elijah Paine, 1852

But it wasn’t just a legal victory. It lit a spark in the hearts of abolitionists. This case’s defiance of pro-slavery laws foreshadowed the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation that eventually ended slavery in the United States.

Bringing History to Life: The Traveling Exhibit

To honor the Lemmon Slave Case and its legacy, we embarked on an incredible journey with a traveling exhibit. This exhibit, thoughtfully presented with informative panels and a compelling video narrated by the James Earl Jones, unfolded its narrative in courthouses far and wide. From the Monroe County Hall of Justice to the Oneida County Courthouse and down to the Bronx County Courthouse, we ventured to every corner of the state, inviting everyone to delve into this essential history.

Our goal was simple yet profound: to share the story of the Lemmon Case and its historical context with communities statewide. In doing so, we hoped to inspire reflection, spark conversations, and foster a deeper understanding of the Lemmon Case’s legacy. This journey wasn’t just about history; it was about engaging with our shared past, exploring themes of justice, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights. Through the power of storytelling and firsthand experiences, we hope to unite communities in a celebration of an enduring quest for justice and equality.

Celebrating the Legacy: The Event

And now, we’re thrilled to invite you to a special event that celebrates the legacy of the Lemmon Slave Case and the journey of our traveling exhibit. Join us on September 7th at the New York County Courthouse Rotunda, located at 60 Centre Street, NYC, or tune in via livestream. The event begins at 6:00 PM, with a reception starting at 5:30 PM.

Learn more about our distinguished speakers — including Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson — and register now. Together, we’ll explore the Lemmon Case’s impact, its role in the abolitionist movement, and the enduring lessons it offers.

In summary, the Lemmon Slave Case’s significance lies in its legal precedent and its impact on the abolitionist movement. As we delve into the past and uncover the lessons it holds, we are reminded that the Lemmon Slave Case isn’t just a distant historical event; it’s a testament to our enduring human spirit’s quest for justice and equality.

Judicial Notice 17: 2022

August 21, 2023March 7, 2024Historical Society of the New York CourtsPublications, Judicial Notice

Issue 17

History of Court Administration in New York
by Marc Bloustein

The Rise and Fall of Natural Law in New York
by Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt

The Development of New York’s Family Court
by Prof. Merril Sobie

Watch Chatting with the Authors: A Series of our Podcast
Episode 10: Associate Editor, Style Editor David L. Goodwin speaks with author Presiding Justice Alan D. Scheinkman and Editor-in-Chief Hon. Helen E. Freedman about appellate panel composition.

Download Judicial Notice Issue 17

Executive Director Marilyn Marcus Featured on Amici Podcast

April 6, 2023April 6, 2023Historical Society of the New York CourtsUncategorized, Blog, Amici Podcast, Judith S. Kaye, Women & the Law, Women History Month, Podcasts

On March 23, 2023, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Society Executive Director Marilyn Marcus was featured on the court system’s Amici Podcast to discuss Judith S. Kaye, the first woman Associate and Chief Judge on the New York Court of Appeals and the Society’s founder. Podcast host John Caher and Ms. Marcus discuss Judge Kaye’s life and career, the role of the Society in celebrating women in the courts and legal profession, and how Ms. Marcus came to be the Society’s Executive Director. Listen Now!

Amici · Promoting Diversity in the Courts: Marilyn Marcus

Read the transcript!

Judicial Notice Lookback: 20th Anniversary Special

March 1, 2023March 1, 2023Historical Society of the New York CourtsJudicial Notice, Publications

Lookback

In 2022, the Historical Society of the New York Courts celebrated its 20th anniversary. As a part of looking back on its first 20 years, Judicial Notice Editor in Chief Hon. Helen E. Freedman and Style Editor David L. Goodwin revisited past articles, finding the themes that have connected several of these pieces, while looking forward to future issues.

Download Judicial Notice Lookback

Celebrating the Art & Architecture of the Courts

December 14, 2022Historical Society of the New York CourtsUncategorized

December is Art & Architecture Month, and, as a part of its mission, the Society has developed programs that celebrate art and architecture in the State’s courthouses and how art has been used to depict justice. As December rounds out the Society’s 20th anniversary year, these past programs continue to inspire and enlighten.

Courtrooms & Courthouses: What Do They Say? How Do They Say It?

History of Foley Square: New York Legal Landmarks & Civic Reform

Ceiling at New York County Courthouse, 60 Centre St.

A Tour of Our Beautiful Courthouses: Preserving, Protecting and Defending Them

Understanding the Work of the NY Federal State & Tribal Courts & Indian Nations Justice Forum with Justice Mark A. Montour

November 8, 2022November 8, 2022Historical Society of the New York CourtsBlog

Recently appointed Appellate Division Justice Mark Montour discusses his pioneering role as the first Native American jurist in NYS as well as the work a collaborative group of federal, state, and tribal nation courts and representatives in ensuring Native Americans have equal access to justice.

This is a segment from a Dispensing Justice from a Distance Series Interview from March 24, 2021. Watch the full interview here: https://history.nycourts.gov/about_period/dispensing-justice-montour/

Watch Now!

Judicial Notice 16: 2021

July 15, 2022March 7, 2024Historical Society of the New York CourtsJudicial Notice, Publications

Issue 16

Litchfield Law School Alumni of the New York Courts
by Paul DeForest Hicks

The Tombs Angel: An Exemplary Life of Service
by John F. Werner & Robert C. Meade, Jr.

The Judicial Career of Justice M. Dolores Denman (1931-2000)
by Hon. Eugene M. Fahey & Dr. Gordon W. Lyon

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Litigating Against Gender Discrimination… and Remembering One Such New York Case
by Prof. John Q. Barrett

Watch Chatting with the Authors: A Series of our Podcast
Episode 13: Associate Editor, Style Editor David L. Goodwin interviews author Paul DeForest Hicks about the Litchfield Law School and its impact on New York’s bench and bar.
Episode 16: Building on Hon. Eugene M. Fahey and Dr. Gordon W. Lyon’s article about Hon. M. Dolores Denman, Editor-in-Chief Hon. Helen E. Freedman interviews a few of Justice Denman’s colleagues: Hon. Richard C. Wesley, Hon. Eugene F. Pigott, Jr., and Hon. Erin M. Peradotto in this touching tribute to a remarkable jurist.

Download Judicial Notice Issue 16

What is the Significance of Judge Judith S. Kaye’s Red Shoes?

March 30, 2022March 30, 2022Historical Society of the New York CourtsBlog

Click here to watch Judge Judith S. Kaye’s entire oral history.

Equal Justice in the New York State Courts

December 29, 2021December 29, 2021Historical Society of the New York CourtsBlog

To close out our series Every Month is Black History Month, we are revisiting the important work of the court system in providing equal justice to all New Yorkers.

In January 2021, our series highlighting the individual stories of judges during the pandemic Dispensing Justice from a Distance virtually brought together Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Hon. Edwina G. Mendelson and interviewer and NYU Law Professor Troy A. McKenzie. Judge Mendelson and Prof. McKenzie’s discussion included how the pandemic has necessitated serious changes to help all New Yorkers receive their day in court.