The Hon. Steven W. F.
Administrative Judge,
Eleventh Judicial District
Supreme Court of the State of New York
Queens
County
88-11 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
Re: PeoDle
v. John Taylor
Ind. Nos. 1845/2000 &1012/2001
Dear Judge F.:
I post this letter to commend the fine work that was exhibited by the entire
court staff throughout the recently completed trial before your Honor of the abovelisted
indictment.
Based upon my years of experience working within the court
administration, I am particularly sensitive to the difficulties faced by the court
staff during a lengthy, passionately contested, high-profile trial. These difficulties
were obviously compounded by the potential consequences presented by the added
dimension of capital punishment. The selection of jurors was not only more protracted
and complicated but required genuine concern and sensitivity on the part of the
staff to all parties. The orderly presentment of witnesses and exhibits required
procedures insuring the preservation of all parties 'claims in perpetuity and
are thus far more complicated than under ordinary circumstances. Of course, all
of these demands must be managed by the staff against the backdrop of the public
's keenly focused scrutiny, as well as the painful attention of the many family
members so sadly impacted by the subject crimes.
It was my observation
that the members of your Honor's staff followed your lead and at all times provided
the litigants, witnesses, jurors and spectators with the most dignified atmosphere
in which to conduct a capital trial. Particularly noteworthy was the performance
of T. S., the court clerk, who managed all aspects of the proceeding
with true decorum, as well as by John M. who so capably assisted at critical
junctures of the proceedings. The court officers, Terry R., Vincent D.,
Debra R., T. G., Melvin O. and Harold B. performed with sensitivity
and model professionalism. Particularly praiseworthy are Sergeant T. M.,
who supervised and secured the very tense courtroom and Supreme Court Officer
Sharon M., who served as "Bridge Officer" for the entire trial and flawlessly
managed the more than 150 exhibits of physical evidence, as well as seeing to
the needs of not just all witnesses and jurors, but to the legions of prospective
jurors called to service.
Finally, I am impressed that the proceedings
placed significant pressures on the court reporters assigned to the trial. Rochelle
W., Michelle L., Lorraine M. and Michelle S. conducted
themselves with consummate professionalism, while flawlessly handling their duties.
On behalf of Assistant District Attorney Daniel S. and myself, I
wish to impart that it was our profound privilege and pleasure to have had the
opportunity to have worked with each of these individuals.
Very truly yours,
Robert J.
Supreme Court Trial Bureau I