History of the New York County Supreme Court Libraries

Via Criminal Law Library Blog published by David Badertscher, features an article by Julie Gick, History of the New York County Supreme Court Libraries. Readers can learn about the beginnings of the court, the buildings (including great photographs), the staff, early Supreme Court, Supreme Trial Court, Court of General Sessions, Bronx court, New York County Courts Public Access Law Library, the collection, administrative changes, and innovations.

New York City Bar New Exhibit

The New York City Bar announced the opening of a new exhibit titled "Before Mad Men" Advertising in 19th Century New York.

The New York City Bar has an extensive collection of business directories from the 19th century. Many of these books contain vintage advertisements that open a window to a city that was on the verge of greatness. This nostalgic tour takes a look at how small businesses and innovative entrepreneurs shaped the landscape of New York and built the foundation for the city to become the economic capital of the world.

Some of the other featured exhibits include:
The Ultimate Penalty
Crimes of Passion
Women and the Law
Slavery in the Courts
Hail to the Chiefs

Some Relief for NYC Public Defenders

The recent budget bill passed by the New York State legislature has a provision that caps the caseload for public defenders in New York City. The New York Times writes that

Under the law, New York State’s chief administrative judge would be required to establish new caseload standards for public defenders by April 1, 2010. The judiciary would then have four years to phase in the limits and ensure proper funding. Despite the state’s grim economic condition, the judiciary’s budget for the current fiscal year remained stable at $2.57 billion.

Public defenders in large cities hope that this law serves as a model for the rest of the country. Read the rest of the story here.