New and easy to follow instructions for making phone and video court appearances are here:
Virtual Court Appearances for the Public
Our Mission
To ensure access to justice in all NY State Courts for people of all backgrounds, incomes, and abilities, by using every resource, including pro bono programs, self-help services, and technological tools, and by securing stable and adequate non-profit and government funding for civil and criminal legal services programs.
“Law Day, celebrated annually in the month of May, offers us the opportunity to reflect on and discuss the rule of law and its role in our society. Each year, Law Day is centered around a different theme to help guide these discussions. In recognition of this important tradition, the Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Richardson, issues a report focusing on the current year’s Law Day theme.
The theme of the Office for Justice Initiatives’ 2024 Law Day Report is “Voices of Democracy”, and it centers around how the court system can encourage civic participation and ensure that our government remains responsive to the wishes of the people. In keeping with this year’s Law Day theme, our report showcases the efforts of the Office for Justice Initiatives over the past year through the voices of those who work in our courts, those who work with our courts, and those who are served by our courts.
We invite you to review this report and share any questions or feedback with the Office for Justice Initiatives at [email protected].
On March 8, 2023, Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro announced the release of the “Equal Justice in the New York State Courts: 2022 Year in Review” report updating the achievements of the court system’s Equal Justice work, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Hon. Edwina Richardson. The report highlights the court system’s statewide efforts over the past year to promote diversity and inclusiveness on the bench and in the courts’ workforce and foster a safe, welcoming and bias-free environment, consistent with the recommendations of the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the Courts Secretary Jeh Johnson.
Administration
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives
Hon. Edwina G. Richardson Profile
Chief of Staff
Michelle Smith, Esq.
What's New
- Law Day Report - 2024: "Voices of Democracy"
- 2024 Law Day Art Contest
- Court Navigator Program now available in Kings County (Brooklyn)
- Brand New Support DIY Form Program
- Equal Justice in the NYS Courts: 2022, Year in Review
- Court User Expectations & Responsibilities
- VCAN (Virtual Court Access Network) at Redhook Community Justice Center