The Appellate Division Second Department is an integral component of the New York State judiciary system. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the court’s establishment, jurisdiction, operations, and its significant role in the legal landscape.

History and Establishment

Established as a part of the New York State Constitution in 1896, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court is an intermediate appellate court. It’s divided into four departments, namely the First, Second, Third, and Fourth, to promote judicial efficiency. The Second Department, our primary focus, was established in its current form in 1894.

Court’s Jurisdiction

The Second Department, situated in Brooklyn, New York City, boasts a jurisdiction that covers both civil and criminal appeals. The court’s scope extends to trial courts in ten counties, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, and Richmond (Staten Island).

Court’s Composition

The Appellate Division, Second Department, comprises seven justices as per the State Constitution, with the provision for the governor to designate additional justices as required. Currently, the presiding justice is Hector LaSalle.

Court’s Locations

The Second Department’s main courthouse is situated at 45 Monroe Place, Brooklyn, New York. However, the Appellate Term, Second Department, is located at 141 Livingston Street, 15th Floor, Brooklyn. The court also holds sessions in the Queens Supreme Court and the Richmond County Clerk’s Office.

The Court’s Caseload and Efficiency

As of 2021, the Second Department is the busiest appellate court in the United States, deciding 65% of all cases in the Appellate Division. Despite its heavy caseload, the court is known for its operational efficiency, largely due to a well-prepared and complete Record on Appeal.

The Court’s Architectural Significance

The Second Department courthouse is a notable architectural marvel, designed by Slee & Bryson in the neoclassical style. It’s one of four courthouses whose architectural history is set to be documented.

Oral Arguments and Their Accessibility

The court offers the facility of live-streaming oral arguments. Additionally, it maintains an archive of past oral arguments for public viewing.

Importance of Quality Records on Appeal

A well-prepared Record on Appeal is crucial for a successful outcome. It assists the appellate court in understanding the case and making an informed decision.

Appellate Support Services

Appellate support services like Dick Bailey offer help to ensure complete and accurate information in the Record on Appeal and Briefs.

The Court’s Rules and Regulations

The court operates under the Unified Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, for all its departments.

The Appellate Division Second Department plays a crucial role in the New York State judiciary system. Its efficient operation, despite a heavy caseload, adds to its credibility and reliability. The court’s commitment to transparency and accessibility is evident in its provision of live-streaming and archiving oral arguments. Furthermore, the court’s emphasis on the importance of a well-prepared Record on Appeal underlines its commitment to fair and informed decisions.

Here are some other commonly asked questions about the appellate division second department:

What is the Appellate Division Second Department?

The Appellate Division Second Department is one of the four departments of the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division. Located in Brooklyn, New York City, it has jurisdiction to hear civil and criminal appeals from trial courts in ten counties.

Who is the presiding justice of the Appellate Division Second Department?

As of 2021, the presiding justice of the Appellate Division Second Department is Hector LaSalle.

What is the significance of a well-prepared Record on Appeal?

A well-prepared Record on Appeal is crucial for a successful outcome in an appeal. It provides the appellate court with all the necessary information to understand the case and make an informed decision.

How can one access the oral arguments of the Appellate Division Second Department?

The Appellate Division Second Department offers the facility of live-streaming oral arguments. Moreover, it maintains an archive of past oral arguments for public viewing.

What is the architectural significance of the Second Department courthouse?

The Second Department courthouse, designed by Slee & Bryson in the neoclassical style, is a notable architectural marvel. It’s one of four courthouses whose architectural history is set to be documented.

What is the caseload of the Appellate Division Second Department?

As of 2021, the Second Department is the busiest appellate court in the United States, deciding 65% of all cases in the Appellate Division.

What is the jurisdiction of the Appellate Division Second Department?

The Second Department’s scope extends to trial courts in ten counties, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, and Richmond (Staten Island).