Courtesy NYCPolitics.com
Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent efforts to expand the number of judges in Kings County mark a significant step toward reducing the overwhelming backlog of cases in Brooklyn courts. Brooklyn, as one of the most dynamic and diverse boroughs in New York, will benefit from the addition of new judges, which promises to alleviate the strain on the judicial system and deliver more timely justice to its residents.
Hochul’s recent appointments to the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division Second Judicial Department further emphasize her commitment to a fair and impartial judiciary. The governor appointed three distinguished jurists: Justice Donna-Marie E. Golia, administrative judge for criminal matters in the Queens Supreme Court as well as Supreme Court Justices Phillip Hom and James McCormack, who both also served on the Appellate Term.
In her announcement, Hochul highlighted that these appointees come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, ensuring that New York State’s judiciary reflects the communities it serves. “With decades of legal experience and deep knowledge of the law, these three judges will be tremendous additions to the Appellate Division,” she stated.
In line with her initiative, the Brooklyn Democratic Party, led by Chair Rodneyse Bichotte, recently nominated three Civil Court judges to fill newly created positions: Tawanna M. St. Louis, Mark Kagan, and Abayomi Ajaiyeoba Whint. These appointments further demonstrate Brooklyn’s dedication to judicial excellence and diversity.
As Gov. Hochul is active with her push for diversity and experience, Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas stands out as a notable figure for potential advancement. Justice Douglas, the most senior Caribbean American jurist on the Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, is widely respected for her experience and her ties to Brooklyn’s vibrant community. Her family’s roots in Grenada and her father’s role as a trailblazing attorney in Brooklyn’s Black legal community have shaped her deep connection to the borough.
Justice Douglas has served 18 years on the bench, earning a reputation for handling complex felony criminal cases, including homicides and gang-related crimes. Before her election to the Supreme Court in 2021, she served on the Civil Court and was assigned to the Criminal Court due to her extensive background in criminal law. Her time as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County, where she prosecuted high-profile homicide cases and served as Deputy Bureau Chief of the Domestic Violence and Homicide Bureaus, further highlights her expertise and commitment to justice in Brooklyn.
When asked how she balances applying the letter of the law with ensuring justice is served, Justice Douglas stated, “as a lifelong Brooklynite I am particularly sensitive to serving the community who elected me. I am compassionate about assuring justice is served while bringing empathy to all who are involved and effected by the cases I hear.”
Justice Douglas also has important experience on the federal level. She was recruited by the United States Department of Justice, where she was a prosecutor handling complex Federal Domestic and International Terrorism cases. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of federal criminal prosecutions, including intricate grand jury presentations and sensitive investigations in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies. Justice Douglas was frequently entrusted with leading comprehensive, 360-degree prosecutions in these high-stakes cases.
In a judiciary that is increasingly focused on diversity, Justice Douglas represents the kind of leadership on the bench that Gov. Hochul continues to seek. Like Vice President Kamala Harris, Judge Douglas draws on her immigrant background and prosecutorial experience to connect with communities of color and beyond. Her deep understanding of Brooklyn’s legal landscape and her personal history make her a strong candidate for future court appointments.
Beyond the courtroom, Justice Douglas remains an active community advocate. She serves as member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the same sorority of which Vice President Harris is a member. Douglas also leads initiatives like Project Safe Surrender, which helps non-violent offenders clear their records and move forward. Her dedication has earned her numerous awards, including Judge of the Year from the Grenadian Benevolent Association and recognition from Brooklyn Friends School.
As Governor Hochul continues to prioritize diversity and judicial expertise in her appointments, Justice Dena Douglas is a compelling candidate to ascend within New York’s court system. Her extensive experience, deep Brooklyn roots, and unwavering commitment to justice position her as an ideal choice to further strengthen and diversify the judiciary, ensuring that New York’s courts fairly represent all its residents.
Governor Hochul deserves recognition for her visionary approach to expanding the bench and her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity within New York’s judicial system.
