Res. No. 460
Resolution calling on the State Legislature to approve A.1100A, to begin the process of amending the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to increase the number of justices of the supreme court in any judicial district
By Council Members Brooks-Powers, Louis, Restler and Maloney
Whereas, New York’s Constitution limits the number of Supreme Court justices based on a fixed population ratio of one justice per 50,000 residents of each judicial district, without regard for caseload; and
Whereas, No other state similarly caps the number of judges per district by population; and
Whereas, Judicial districts in New York City report much higher numbers of cases than districts in other parts of the state; and
Whereas, New York City judges report pending caseloads between 900 to 1,300 cases; and
Whereas, High caseloads lead to delays in judicial proceedings; and
Whereas, Timeliness has long been recognized as a crucial component of an effective judicial system, as described by the common saying that justice delayed is justice denied; and
Whereas, Extensive delays in judicial proceedings can reduce public trust in the legal system; and
Whereas, Assembly Bill A.1100A would amend Article 6 of the New York State Constitution to eliminate the cap on judges by population of judicial district; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to approve A.1100A to begin the process of amending the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to increase the number of justices of the supreme court in any judicial district.
AY
LS #23687
5/7/2026