✰PREMIUM
Brooklyn Democrats host civil court judicial forum ahead of key county committee vote for 3 judges

On a warm summer evening this week in Brooklyn, community members, party leaders and aspiring jurists gathered virtually inside their homes for the Municipal Civil Court Judicial Forum, a pivotal event ahead of the upcoming vote for the Democratic Party’s nomination in Civil Court Districts 4, 6 and 7.

The forum offered a platform for candidates to present their credentials, judicial philosophy and vision for justice. Among those seeking the party’s endorsement are Chidi Eze, Esq., a candidate for the fourth Municipal District who owns a private practice specializing in civil rights, and Hon. Juliet P. Howard, who is running for re-election in the sixth Municipal District.

There are candidates competing for nominations in Brooklyn’s seventh Municipal Court District. The candidates for next week’s vote will be announced shortly.

Each candidate spoke on pressing issues facing Brooklyn’s Civil Courts, where judges serve 10-year terms, including court accessibility, fair housing and ensuring equal justice for historically marginalized communities.

“Getting more interpreters and making our courtrooms fully staffed are all ideas to boost morale and attract more people to the courtroom,” said Howard.

Attendees described the forum as informative and engaging, offering voters insight into how each potential judge would serve from the bench.

“We were honored to host strong, community-minded candidates who offered thoughtful reflections on how they would uphold fairness and equity in our civil courts,” said District Leader Mike Boomer. “These are critical seats that directly impact the daily lives of Brooklynites.”

The event was made possible thanks to the coordination and support of local party leaders and volunteers. Special recognition was given to District Leader Michael Boomer, Deputy Law Chair Terry Hinds, Deputy Director Sabrina Gates and Brooklyn Young Democrats Board Member Imani Saddler, whose efforts and sharp questions ensured a smooth and impactful forum.

The candidates were asked questions by both Democratic Leaders and attendees and offered different perspectives. All of them said that “hearing each side fairly” was paramount to settling a case.

“The joy of getting someone’s name cleared and seeing someone leaving the courtroom happy for getting justice” is why Eze is running.

Now, legal eagles’ attention turns to the Municipal District County Committee Meeting, scheduled for Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at Brooklyn College’s Ingersoll Hall.

There, district committee members will cast votes to determine which candidates will receive the official Democratic Party nomination for civil court seats in the fourth, sixth and seventh districts.

Only those registered in advance may attend and vote at the meeting, and party leaders are encouraging committee members to prepare accordingly.

With civil court judges playing a crucial role in housing disputes, consumer protection, small claims and more, the outcome of this internal party vote will have far-reaching implications for Brooklyn’s judicial landscape.

“The candidates’ participation in public forums like this one reflects a growing movement toward transparency and public accountability in judicial elections,” said Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

“Although most Brooklynites’ eyes are glued to the upcoming Mayor’s race and other citywide elections, we can’t sit back and let our voters miss out on pivotal judicial elections,” added Bichotte Hermelyn. “It’s our duty to not only get out the vote, but let Democrats learn more about who they’re voting for on the bench, and everyone is noticing the difference with our party’s unique, grassroots approach.”

The Brooklyn Democratic Party chair also noted that the Brooklyn Democrats have already gained significant legal election wins by backing candidates during the Primary Election: Eric Gonzales was re-elected to be “our boroughs’ champion for justice,” as district sttorney, while Janice Chen, Esq. and Marisa Arrabito, Esq. won seats as civil court judges, bringing “decades of experience and deep legal knowledge of our communities” to the bench.

The upcoming July 21 vote for the three districts in Brooklyn is due to Gov. Kathy Hochul granting Brooklyn three extra judges to fill the ever-growing backlog of cases.

Many left the forum feeling more informed, engaged and ready to take part in shaping the borough’s justice system.