New York’s Highest Court Has Enormous Power

New Yorkers have watched in horror as the U.S. Supreme Court has stripped us of fundamental rights, including a federal right to abortion, while embracing extremist right-wing values that invalidate common-sense state laws and undermine our democratic institutions. The Court of Appeals can and should act as a defense against such federal attacks, protecting New Yorkers and defending the rule of law.

In recent years, it has done neither.

For Years, New York’s Court Has Failed to Stand Up for New Yorkers

Under former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, the Court of Appeals has — like the federal Supreme Court — taken an alarming turn, issuing regressive decisions that have harmed workers, tenants, and immigrants, curtailed New Yorkers’ rights, undermined our democratic institutions, and made it more difficult for the state to implement environmental protections. 

This Court’s priorities in recent years have been clear — and they have been clearly wrong for New York.

What’s Possible Now?

In August, former Chief Judge DiFiore unexpectedly resigned. The appointment of New York’s next Chief Judge offers a critical opportunity for New York. We need a Chief Judge who will safeguard New Yorkers’ rights, defend our democracy, and protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

Gov. Hochul has nominated Justice Hector LaSalle as New York’s next Chief Judge despite significant alarm raised by unions, reproductive rights organizations, Senators, and other New Yorkers concerned about Justice LaSalle’s deeply conservative judicial record, which includes decisions that are anti-abortion, anti-union, and anti-due process. These decisions make clear that his judicial philosophy is wrong for New York, and that, if confirmed as Chief Judge, he would be a continuation of former Chief Judge DiFiore’s right-wing Court of Appeals.