This episode was recorded on June 29, 2020 and features an interesting discussion about Chancellor James Kent with a retired Judge of the NYS Court of Appeals and a Columbia Law School student.
Host Daniel F. Loud, a student at Columbia Law School, chats with Hon. Robert S. Smith, retired judge of the New York Court of Appeals, head of the appellate practice at Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP, and former professor at both Columbia Law School and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, about his article in the Society’s journal Judicial Notice about Chancellor James Kent, one of New York’s first notable judges and the author of the Commentaries on American Law. They delve into Chancellor Kent’s views on judging, the body of “American law” that developed after American independence, and what a judge’s role should be in changing the law. Along the way, Judge Smith also offers his views on the same issues and how judging has changed since Chancellor Kent’s time nearly two centuries ago.
This podcast is a part of our series Chatting with the Authors of Judicial Notice. For more episodes, please visit the series page.
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On July 6, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update in which she notes that many courts are now entering Phase 4 of the State’s reopening plan, which means that there will be an increase in matters heard in-person as well as increasing numbers of staff returning. She also states that NYC courts are preparing for Phase 3. She also describes enhanced safety measures in place, including the new procedure of temperature screening and questioning courthouse visitors as they enter the building.
On June 29, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update in which she states all courts outside of NYC have entered Phase 3 of operations as of Friday, while NYC courts have entered Phase 2 as of last Wednesday. She also discusses an increase in virtual parts in NYC Family Court, the return of grand juries outside of NYC, new procedures for residential and commercial foreclosures, and the September bar exam.
On June 22, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update in which she felt encouraged by the progress of the State’s reopening process, but noted that there continue to be public health concerns, particularly in high traffic courthouses. Chief Judge DiFiore notes that the Unified Court System continues to consult with an epidemiologist to develop new protocols in the courthouses as in-person work increases. She specifically speaks about new protocols for Housing Courts.
Chief Judge DiFiore also speaks about the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts, which convened to formulate a comprehensive, long-term vision for how the Unified Court System can leverage technology, online platforms, and other innovations to expand access to justice and improve delivery and quality of justice services.
On June 15, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update. She discussed New York City’s operations in Phase 1 on June 10, as well as the move to Phase 3 in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier and North Country on June 12. She also provides additional details about the precautions the Unified Court System is taking during the reopening phases.
Chef Judge DiFiore then described the initiative Equal Justice in the Courts, which will be led by Jeh Johnson to conduct a thorough, independent review of the court system’s internal policies, practices, and operations, with a focus on identifying and eliminating issues of institutional racism.
On June 8, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update where she discusses how courts are moving into Phase 2, allowing more people into the courthouses — a gradual process that blends virtual and in-person operations. She notes that New York City is now entering Phase 1, which means that all NYS courts will be in Phase 1 or Phase 2 of gradual reopening. Court administrators will continue to monitor this process. Chief Judge DiFiore also provides an update on the fall bar examination, and celebrates Bronx Housing Court Sgt. Darrell Cross for his recovery from COVID-19.
On June 1, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update which discusses how courts across the State have met Governor Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines to move into Phase 2 of in-person operations. Chief Judge DiFiore also discusses the health and safety measures in place during these gradual re-openings, and notes that the majority of non-essential matters will continue to be held virtually. She then provides an update on the COVID-19 pro bono response network, which will begin representing individuals and families in the Surrogate’s Courts.
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