Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission to hold first of 4 public jury hearings in Buffalo

Press Release

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission will hold a series of jury hearings in each of the four Appellate Division departments, beginning with a public hearing in Buffalo on Sept. 24. The hearing will be video recorded and held at the Erie County Ceremonial Courtroom at 92 Franklin St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The jury hearing in Buffalo, which will include oral and written testimony from invited members of the local community about current challenges to jury service and potential jury reforms, is part of the Williams Commission’s commitment to addressing jury diversification in New York state.

The jury hearing will provide insight on the challenges to jury service and potential jury reforms in New York, and feature panel discussions with prior jurors, commissioners of jurors, community organizations, bar associations, and civil and criminal legal organizations.

FHW Co-Chair the Hon. Shirley Troutman, associate judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, said, “Jury service is our civic duty, and it is a vital part of the democratic process.”

Stressing the importance of the Williams Commission’s jury hearings initiative, Troutman added, “It’s crucial we listen to those from our local communities so that we can work together to ensure that our juries are representative of our entire community.”

“Diverse juries ensure that our justice system remains fair through more inclusive decision-making. It is important that our juries reflect the rich diverse experiences of our communities,” said FHW Co-Chair the Hon. Troy K. Webber, associate justice of the Appellate Division, First Department.

As part of the Williams Commission’s efforts to ensure equal justice and diversity in the courts, the commission will publish a jury report to improve jury diversification and participation throughout New York, following the series of jury hearings.

Members of the public and community are welcome to attend by completing the public hearing reply form electronically or by emailing the completed form to [email protected] by Sept. 20.

Forms may also be completed and mailed to Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission of the New York State Courts at 25 Beaver St., Eighth Floor, New York, NY 10004.

For more information about the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, visit www.nycourts.gov/FHW.