In This Section

Information for and about judges. 

Photo of Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of New York
Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Judge of the State of N.Y.

As most issues are governed by state law, our country’s state courts handle the great majority–95 percent–of civil and criminal cases, forming the backbone of the American judicial system.

Becoming a judge in New York State requires being a resident, typically having 10+ years of legal practice, and either running for election (e.g., Supreme Court) or being appointed (e.g., Court of Appeals, Family Court). 
 

Two walls covered with portraits of judges from the Court of Appeals

Judicial Directories:

Judges of the Court of Appeals

Judges of the Appellate Divisions:
AD1 | AD2 | AD3 | AD4

Judges of the Trial Courts

Administrative/Supervising Judges, & Executive Officers

 

Photo of massive architectural columns
Judicial Ethics Opinions

The Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics provides ethics advice to judges, justices and quasi-judicial officials of the NYS Unified Court System about their own conduct.

Their sole mission is to help judges comply with the Rules Governing Judicial Conduct.
Photo of Judicial Institute's Main Lecture hall during a training session.
Judicial Institute

The Judicial Institute is a statewide, year-round center for judicial education, training, and research designed to enhance New York State’s courts and ensure the State’s judiciary sets the standard for decisional and operational quality around the country.