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Articles by Joseph A. Zayas
Making Justice Accessible to All
New York Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas. Courtesy photo Law Day 2026 NYLJ Article — Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas “People in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are [unable to] observ[e].” Richmond Newspapers, Inc. v. Virginia, 448 U.S. 555, 572 (1980). Unfortunately, in New York State’s trial courts, it is too difficult for the public to observe what is happening.
'Workable' State Governments Are Something to Celebrate
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas speaks during the unveiling of the newly upgraded Richmond County civil and criminal trial courtrooms on Sep 10, 2025 in Staten Island, New York. Photo: Ryland West/ALM 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence from Great Britain and the start of the American Revolution. What the Founding generation achieved, after a long, bloody war, was radical.
A Sober Occasion That Feels Different This Year
Law Day was conceived of nearly 70 years ago, in 1957, by Charles Rhyne. Rhyne was the president of the American Bar Association at the time, and he envisioned Law Day as an occasion to reflect on the rule of law in America and to recognize the vital role our legal system plays in protecting the unique liberties and privileges that we enjoy as Americans. In 1958, President Dwight D.
In the New Year, Take Another Look at Second Look
For nearly as long as I have been a judge, I have firmly believed in the importance of what I call demystifying the judiciary — that is, helping the public understand what judges do, how they make decisions, and how they’re chosen for their positions.
Chief Administrative Judge Zayas Receives Judge Harold Baer Jr. Award
[Editor's note: On May 14th, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas was honored at The Harvard Club by the Network of Bar Leaders with the Judge Harold Baer, Jr. Award. Below is a lightly edited version of his prepared remarks.] Michael Kohan, President of the Network of Bar Leaders, thank you for that kind introduction. Thanks to you and your fellow officers and the Executive Council of the Network of Bar Leaders for inviting me to be part of tonight’s event.
Judge Rejects Menendez Mistrial Bid Based on Protected Official Acts
The first day of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez’s bribery and extortion trial ended with an unsuccessful mistrial motion from his attorney Adam Fee of Paul Hastings, who argued that Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz of the Southern District of New York violated the judge’s rulings on the Speech or Debate Clause in her opening statement.
Trump Hit with $1,000 Fine for Continued Violations of Gag Order | Connecticut Law Tribune
Donald Trump was found in contempt and hit with yet another $1,000 fine for violating the gag order in his Manhattan criminal case on Monday, with the presiding judge warning the former president he would consider jail time for future violations. “The last thing I want to do is put you in jail,” Acting Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan told Trump. “The magnitude of that decision is not lost on me.” Want to continue reading?
How New York Selects and Elects Its Judges
The theme of this year’s Law Day is “Voices of Democracy.” The United States will hold its 60th presidential election this fall. So, this year’s theme appropriately emphasizes the importance of citizens understanding how the electoral process works, debating important issues in a civil and informed way and, ultimately, turning out to vote. Understanding how elections work is essential to any basic understanding of how democracies function.
Brass Tacks: Bill Bratton, Joseph Zayas and others propose policies and programs that could make a difference now
Six ways New York can spare more people from shootings today By William J. Bratton The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Bruen case last summer, overturning New York State’s Sullivan Law, has established a new landscape in the efforts to control gun violence. This is not so simply because the decision has made concealed carry of firearms far more likely in New York City.
A Belated Tribute to 'My Judge,' Retired Presiding Justice Rolando T. Acosta
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