Add More Supreme Court Judges

What's happening

Why it matters

1. 1

   Addresses Court Backlogs. By increasing the number of justices in these districts, the bill aims to reduce case backlogs and speed up the resolution of civil and criminal matters, improving access to timely justice for residents.

2. 2

   Responds to Population Growth. The second and thirteenth districts (including areas with significant population increases, such as Brooklyn and Staten Island) will have more judges to better match current demographic and legal demands.

3. 3

   Staged Implementation. The bill lays out a phased election schedule for the new justices, ensuring a gradual expansion that may help courts adapt operationally and avoid abrupt disruptions.

4. 4

   Local Representation and Judicial Capacity. Increasing the number of justices could improve local representation and judicial responsiveness, potentially allowing for more specialized dockets or initiatives tailored to community needs in these districts.

Who cares

• Second Judicial District courts

  The bill would increase the authorized number of Supreme Court justices from 49 to 52, with two additional justices taking office in 2021 and one in 2022.

• Thirteenth Judicial District courts

  The bill would increase the authorized number of Supreme Court justices from four to ten, with additional justices taking office in stages from 2021 through 2023.

• Judicial candidates and voters in both districts

  The bill would put additional Supreme Court seats before voters at the November 2020 and November 2022 general elections.

• Justice Thomas P. Aliotta and his successor in office

  The bill would designate Aliotta, or his successor in office on the effective date, as a Thirteenth Judicial District Supreme Court justice for the remainder of the elected or appointed term.

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