100 signatures reached
To: El Pueblo
Sign in Support of Justice LaSalle Against the Mischaracterization of His Record
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently put forth a historic nomination for New York State Court of Appeals Chief Judge: Second Department Presiding Justice Hector LaSalle. Judge LaSalle, who is Puerto Rican, would be the first person of color to occupy this position, in what is the highest State court in New York. Since the announcement, Justice LaSalle’s nomination has been met with unprecedented opposition. Critics are diminishing his extensive experience and rich professional history, and labeling him as anti-abortion and anti-union. But here is the information they are leaving out:
Allegation: Justice LaSalle is anti-choice.
Fact: In the case of ‘Matter of Evergreen Association v Schneiderman’ the Attorney General was investigating a crisis pregnancy center and its practices, LaSalle involvement showed how a smart jurist allowed the Attorney General's office to get the information they needed to investigate questionable groups and protect 1st amendment rights. Justice LaSalle's deft handling of the case shows he is an able jurist who understands the role of the judiciary. The decision allowed the Attorney General to continue the investigation of a suspect pregnancy counseling center to ensure they were not providing medical advice without a license. The system worked: The AG was not hamstrung in any way and the anti-abortion group was forced to turn over all information related to questionable medical activity. The AG asked for 10 items and got 8 out of the 10.
Allegation: Justice LaSalle is anti-union.
Fact: In the case of ‘Cablevision Sys. Corp. v Communications Workers of Am. Dist. 1,’ a defamation claim was brought against two union leaders in their individual and official capacities, and the union itself. The decision, not signed by any single justice, determined that neither the union nor the leaders in their official capacities would be held liable for defamation, while union leaders as individuals could be found liable, if the lower court determined. The decision allowed the lower court to continue to hear the case without making a final determination.
There is certainly more complexity to both of these cases but what is clear is that the allegations being circulated by the dissenters are not grounded in fact. In both cases, Justice LaSalle acted fairly and expeditiously, and there is no merit to the aforementioned labels being assigned to him.
Setting aside the fact that Latino representation in prominent positions both inside and outside of government is at an all-time low, what is important to note is that his record is being mischaracterized. He has proven to be a competent jurist who not only deserves a fair confirmation hearing, but a fair shot. Welcoming the first Latino, who is also immensely qualified, to occupy New York State’s highest court would be a step in the right direction to rectify the lack of respect and attention Latinos in New York State have received in recent years.
Allegation: Justice LaSalle is anti-choice.
Fact: In the case of ‘Matter of Evergreen Association v Schneiderman’ the Attorney General was investigating a crisis pregnancy center and its practices, LaSalle involvement showed how a smart jurist allowed the Attorney General's office to get the information they needed to investigate questionable groups and protect 1st amendment rights. Justice LaSalle's deft handling of the case shows he is an able jurist who understands the role of the judiciary. The decision allowed the Attorney General to continue the investigation of a suspect pregnancy counseling center to ensure they were not providing medical advice without a license. The system worked: The AG was not hamstrung in any way and the anti-abortion group was forced to turn over all information related to questionable medical activity. The AG asked for 10 items and got 8 out of the 10.
Allegation: Justice LaSalle is anti-union.
Fact: In the case of ‘Cablevision Sys. Corp. v Communications Workers of Am. Dist. 1,’ a defamation claim was brought against two union leaders in their individual and official capacities, and the union itself. The decision, not signed by any single justice, determined that neither the union nor the leaders in their official capacities would be held liable for defamation, while union leaders as individuals could be found liable, if the lower court determined. The decision allowed the lower court to continue to hear the case without making a final determination.
There is certainly more complexity to both of these cases but what is clear is that the allegations being circulated by the dissenters are not grounded in fact. In both cases, Justice LaSalle acted fairly and expeditiously, and there is no merit to the aforementioned labels being assigned to him.
Setting aside the fact that Latino representation in prominent positions both inside and outside of government is at an all-time low, what is important to note is that his record is being mischaracterized. He has proven to be a competent jurist who not only deserves a fair confirmation hearing, but a fair shot. Welcoming the first Latino, who is also immensely qualified, to occupy New York State’s highest court would be a step in the right direction to rectify the lack of respect and attention Latinos in New York State have received in recent years.
Why is this important?
Latino representation in prominent positions both inside and outside of government is at an all-time low, what is important to note is that his record is being mischaracterized. He has proven to be a competent jurist who not only deserves a fair confirmation hearing, but a fair shot. Welcoming the first Latino, who is also immensely qualified, to occupy New York State’s highest court would be a step in the right direction to rectify the lack of respect and attention Latinos in New York State have received in recent years.