Queens ties on state task force examining use of court technologies

Judge Edwina Mendelson, the deputy chief administrative judge in the office for justice initiatives were named to a state task force examining the use of new court technologies. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

By David Brand

A new state task force will examine the expanded use of technologies that have allowed courts to continue functioning during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore appointed 24 attorneys and judges to the task force, including a few with Queens ties. Judge Edwina Mendelson, the deputy chief administrative judge in the office for justice initiatives and a former Queens judge; St. John’s Law School Dean Michael Simons; Barkett Epstein partner Seymour James, the former head of Legal Aid; and Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas, a former Queens prosecutor, are among the members.

“While a tragedy, the COVID-19 crisis has been an impetus for innovation, leading us to examine what we have learned from the pandemic and how to best move forward,” DiFiore said. “The pandemic’s dramatic impact on court operations has paved the way for the embrace of new technologies and approaches, with a focus on fairness, efficiency and efficacy.”

The task force will be led by former New York State Bar Association President Hank Greenberg.

“The COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique opportunity to reimagine how courts deliver services and consider innovative proposals for the justice system of the future,” Greenberg said.