Explore the rich history of New York's court system as the State Judiciary is introduced by the New York Courts' Historical Society
The Historical Society of the New York Courts (HSNYC), established in 2002 by former New York State Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye, is a freestanding entity dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of New York's state courts. The society's role is to tell the story of the court system's triumphs and failures for future generations to learn from.
The HSNYC has transitioned from a "mom-and-pop operation" to a more advanced professional system, mirroring the court system's own evolution. The court system, according to Lippman, has become a more formal, professional system with improved case management. This transformation is reflected in the society's programming, which includes public events, educational projects, and oral histories.
The society's executive director, Allison Morey, who holds a master's degree in museum studies, oversees the curation of historical materials and the organisation of lectures, exhibitions, publications, and events that illuminate the history and impact of the courts. The society's programming has been particularly satisfying from a curatorial perspective.
The HSNYC aims to educate the public, students, legal professionals, and scholars about the historical significance and functioning of the state courts. The society's podcast, "Wrecking Ball," covers historical preservation and development battles such as the Empire State Plaza, the High Line, and Foley Square. The society also produces a scholarly periodical, "Judicial Notice," with each issue featuring a complementary podcast episode.
The society's independence allows it to hold open dialogues about the court system without the caution that comes with speaking on its behalf. This independence is crucial in addressing current debates around the public scrutiny of the judiciary and the rule of law, a topic that the society's upcoming series will address.
The HSNYC's mission is to provide a deeper understanding of the court system's three-century history, catering to both the general public and legal professionals. The society has launched an initiative to record local legal histories in all 62 of New York's counties and aims to bring its exhibits and programs to more locations across the state, particularly upstate.
The society's work is not just about preserving the past, but also about making the history of the court system accessible and relevant to the present. The society's oral histories, for example, provide insights into the minds of judges at different times, helping us understand the evolution of the judiciary in New York State. The society's initiatives, such as the travelling exhibit on the Lemon Slave Case, narrated by the late James Earl Jones, are testament to this commitment.
For those interested in learning more about the HSNYC, visiting their website or contacting them directly is recommended. The society's engagement with social media and podcasts helps to translate complex legal concepts into everyday language, making the history of the court system accessible to a wide-reaching audience, including high school and college students. The HSNYC serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the role and development of the judiciary in New York State.
The Historical Society of the New York Courts (HSNYC) extends its focus beyond historical preservation, delving into education-and-self-development through podcasts like "Wrecking Ball" and scholarly periodical "Judicial Notice."
The society's oral histories, a key part of its lifestyle category, offer insightful perspectives on the evolution of the judiciary in New York State, making it relevant to the present.
