‘Re-opening the New York City courts to non-emergency, in-person appearances right now is an unnecessary mistake. It is a mistake that will have fatal consequences.’
There appears to be no accurate record of how many people per month or per year require the services of an interpreter to exercise their right to access to justice.
The city’s Law Department says it is ready to deliver its case to a state appeals court for restoring the Inwood rezoning, which was annulled by a lower court last year. It’s just not sure exactly when it will be able to do so.
Postponed hearings, delayed arraignments and miscommunication are caused by the limited number of interpreters, making the already high-stakes, onerous process of navigating the legal system even more challenging for those who rely on such services.
‘This is the right time for the city to also make a bold commitment to support people with serious and persistent mental and behavioral health needs, in ways that will prevent contact (or further contact) with law enforcement at every possible juncture.’
‘Last winter another agency, the New York City Department of City Planning deliberately circumvented the Council’s oversight when it told the City Planning Commission that it had to approve four mega towers proposed to be built right on top of existing buildings.’
‘If ICE will not treat courthouses as sensitive locations, NY legislators must pass the Protect Our Courts Act.’
‘With over 600 people held on technical parole violations at Rikers every day, it is time we recognize that the system is not working.’
‘Major importers and distributors of heroin and fentanyl, charged with top narcotics sale or possession crimes, will walk out of court with no bail even if they have significant ties to foreign jurisdictions.’
‘Nonprofit organization such as ours deliver critical legal services. … This good work is increasingly in jeopardy as defenders continue to grapple with New York City’s exorbitant cost of living, as well as with their own crushing student loan debt.’
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