The authority of the Appellate Division
carries certain administrative responsibilities.
In addition to his duties as a sitting
judge, the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division
oversees the administration of several court-related
agencies: the character and fitness committee, the departmental
disciplinary committee, the special masters program,
the office of the law guardian, the assigned counsel
plan and the mental hygiene legal service agency.
The character and fitness committee of
the First Department, whose members are appointed by
the presiding justice, determines the applications of
those who seek admission to the Bar.
The reforms of the 1890's , which created
the Appellate Division, conferred upon the Court the
authority to examine the qualifications and moral character
of applicants and rule on their formal admission to
the Bar. |
