Cyrus Dugger

Top Judges in New York and New Mexico Put Access to Justice for Low-Income People at Top of the Agenda

From the Brennan Center for Justice:

Top Judges in New York and New Mexico Put Access to Justice for Low-Income People at Top of the Agenda In recent statements made by top judges in both New York and New Mexico, access to justice for low-income people was identified as a top priority. On February 7, 2007, Chief Judge Judith Kaye was nominated by New York Governor Eliot Spitzer to continue in her position. Kaye has been a long-time advocate of access to justice for low-income people. When asked about her goals for the next two years as Chief Judge, if her nomination is approved by the state Senate, Kaye listed improving legal services for low-income people as one of her top three priorities. New Mexico’s newly sworn in chief justice, Edward L. Chavez, has also made clear that access to the courts for low-income people is one of his top priorities. He stated that equal access to the courts for low-income New Mexicans is the collective will of the [state] Supreme Court. Chavez says, “I told the Legislature we’re committed to doing our part to help. We’re trying to increase volunteer services. We’re trying to help those who choose to be self-represented. There is so much more we can do to make the courts more efficient.” Scott Sandlin, Chief Judge Wants Changes; State High Court Leader Want Equal Access for All New Mexicans, Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico), Feb. 12, 2007; Kaye Nominated to Stay on High Court, Times Herald-Record (New York), Feb. 8, 2007.

Posted at 2:06 PM, Feb 19, 2007 in Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)