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2010 JUSTICE CENTER PROGRAMS
Foreclosure Fora
The Justice Center, in cooperation with the Feerick Center for Social Justice, elected officials, advocates and legal services providers, sponsored fora for community leaders and service providers in the outer boroughs to address the problems facing tenants and homeowners in foreclosed buildings. Because the meetings generated requests for more information, a second series on foreclosure issues affecting both tenants and homeowners is planned for the spring and fall of 2010.
Public Fora
In October 2009, the Justice Center co-sponsored NYCLA's Criminal Justice Section forum, "It's Not Just a Summons!," which examined the collateral consequences for the 600,000 New Yorkers who annually receive a summons to a local Criminal Court. In November, the Justice Center co-sponsored Cardozo Law School's conference, "New Perspectives on Brady and Other Disclosure Obligations: What Really Works?," a two-day event exploring best practices for prosecutors in the disclosure of evidence. In April, the Justice Center co-sponsored the Women's Rights Committee forum, "A Local and International Perspective on Afghanistan—U.S. Efforts Toward Equality for Afghan Women."
Youth Law Education Project
In partnership with Hon. Richard Lee Price, chair of the NYCLA Law-Related Education Committee, and Debra Lesser, executive director of the Justice Resource Center, the NYCLA Justice Center hosted two more events utilizing the NYC Youth Law Manual, published in 2007. Teachers of law-related education in the New York City public high schools participated in a lively seminar in May featuring a speaker on cyberbullying, and panels on other forms of bullying and internet dangers. Last December, 90 public high school students participated in the third citywide student conference, hosted by Pace University. Skits, performed by student volunteers, illustrated confrontations with school safety officers and the police, and generated discussions about what young people's rights are in these situations and how they should respond. Students also had opportunities to explore careers in the law and get tips on applying to college. Conference evaluations were extremely positive, endorsing the Justice Center's commitment to providing resources for young people and their teachers.
Task Force on the Family Court Report
In July 2010, the Task Force on the Family Court released a Task Force Report that makes recommendations that "will result, ultimately, in a more efficient, effective and just court." Co-chaired by Hon. Howard Miller, Justice of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 2nd Department, and Professor Jane M. Spinak of Columbia Law School, the Task Force examined such questions as: "What steps need to be taken to enhance the ability of the court to hear and try cases quickly and effectively? What initiatives are being created and implemented by stakeholders and the court itself in the five boroughs? What information is currently being collected by the court system?
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