NY courts embrace tech overhaul in pandemic aftermath

March 28, 2023 Robert Abruzzese

Hon. Raymond Rodriguez and Hon. Patria Frias-Colon, who sit in the Kings County Supreme Court, are two local members of the Court Modernization Action Committee. Eagle file photo by Robert Abruzzese.

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CITYWIDE — Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro and Acting Chief Administrative Judge Tamiko Amaker have announced the formation of a blue-ribbon committee on Monday, the Court Modernization Action Committee (CMAC), which will focus on implementing pandemic-inspired improvements to the delivery of justice.

Supreme Court Justice Craig Doran of the Seventh Judicial District will chair the new committee.

“We all want to get to the same place — an efficient, effective, user-friendly court system that embraces change and is prepared for future contingencies — so it made sense to combine our expertise and efforts,” said Justice Doran. “It was no accident that the Working Group had ‘working’ as part of its title, and it is no accident that the CMAC has the word ‘action’ in its name. We’re here to get things done.”

CMAC was established following a report from the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts’ Pandemic Practices Working Group, also led by Justice Doran. Recommendations from the report include enhancing virtual court proceedings, increasing transparency, and improving accessibility and communication for court users.

Judge Cannataro expressed confidence in CMAC’s ability to follow the provided blueprint, modernizing practices and protocols for better access to justice. Judge Amaker, who served on the Working Group and will also serve on CMAC, stated that reimagining the courts is a continuing commitment.

Hank Greenberg, chair of the Commission to Reimagine the Future of New York’s Courts, said the Pandemic Practices Working Group’s report holds great potential to enhance access to justice and improve the experience of litigants.

CMAC members include Chair Hon. Craig Doran, Co-Chairs Scott B. Reents and William Silverman, and Project Manager Christine Sisario. The committee will work to implement a range of recommendations, from expanding electronic case filing to developing a detailed plan for future pandemics or court disruptions.

Local members of the panel include Hon. Patria Frias-Colon, Kings County Supreme Court Justice, and Hon. Raymond Rodriguez, Acting Justice of the Kings County Supreme Court. Also included are Hon. Tamiko Amaker, acting chief administrative judge and deputy chief administrative judge for management support, and Hon. Edwina Richardson-Mendelson, deputy chief administrative judge for justice initiatives.