ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul nominated Hector D. LaSalle as the next chief judge of New York’s highest court on Thursday, which would make him the most powerful judge in the state and the first Latino to hold the position.
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If confirmed by the state Senate, LaSalle would lead the seven-member high court and oversee New York’s entire judicial system.
In a written statement announcing the nomination, Hochul, a Democrat, described LaSalle as an “outstanding jurist” who would focus on “expanding access to justice for New Yorkers.”
LaSalle said he would appoint Edwina G. Richard-Mendelson as chief administrative judge to oversee the day-to-day operations of the statewide court system.
“I am committed to leading the Court with integrity and fairness, upholding justice, and protecting the rights of New Yorkers,” he said in a written statement.
Some community and advocacy organizations are calling for lawmakers to reject his nomination, however, based on some of his past rulings.
“Justice LaSalle’s deeply conservative judicial record includes decisions that are anti-abortion, anti-union, and anti-due process,” Peter Martin, director of the advocacy organization Judicial Accountability at the Center for Community Alternatives, said in a written statement. “His decisions make clear that his judicial philosophy is wrong for New York.”
If the woke anti america activists don’t want him I’m for him even if he’s a minority
A judge should interpret the law – not make it. There should be no agendas in a courtroom.
If the liberals don’t like him, he will be an outstanding Chief Judge
another unqualified affirmative action hiree that doesnt want to work in a car wash or grocery store.