On September 14, NYS Chief Judge Janet DiFiore provided this video update to discuss expansion of the Unified Court System’s jury trial pilots. She notes that these “pilots” are used as an opportunity to carefully consider every protocol to protect all court users’ health and safety. Chief Judge DiFiore also highlighted the continuing good work of judges and court staff as in-person operations continue to be phased in.
Chief Judge DiFiore concluded the video to state she will be presiding over the 11th annual Public Hearing on Civil Legal Services in New York on September 21. This hearing will help document the extent of the access to justice gap in light of the added complications caused by the pandemic. She discussed a variety of ways the court system has acted to expand access to justice, highlighting Monroe County’s Special COVID Intervention Part.