Public defenders group wants racial information about jurors from courts
Legal Director Sergio de la Pava
A Manhattan public defense organization wants the courts to disclose juror demographic information — including race — in order to address the persistent lack of diversity in jury pools. This past December, New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) legal director Sergio de la Pava filed a motion to the Appellate Division’s First Department last December calling for such a reform.
When Carolyn Wilson founded the New York County Defender Services to provide criminal defendants with access to high-quality legal representation in Manhattan, it had just 13 attorneys. Three decades later, it has a staff of 140 and has represented over half a million clients in criminal cases.
NY lawyers are suing state court officials over access to juror demographics
featuring legal director, Sergio De La Pava
New York County Defender Services is arguing that the state’s current jury selection process jeopardizes the rights of both defendants and prospective jurors. They’re expected to make their arguments in court next week.
Advocates Lobby for Bill that Would Expand Use of Treatment Courts in New York
featuring Casey Dalporto, Supervising Attorney, Policy & Community Engagement Unit, and Katherine LeGeros Bajuk. Senior Trial Attorney, Mental Health Specialist
Advocates for the Treatment Court Expansion Act say they are invigorated by the legislation having the support
of New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson.
