Seven Justice Courts receive grants

Assemblyman Bob Oaks has been advised by Chief Administrative Judge, Ann Pfau, that seven justice courts in Wayne County were awarded grants under the Justice Court Assistance Program.

Justice courts in Huron, Macedon, Ontario, Sodus, Walworth, Williamson and Wolcott will be receiving between $600 and $26,000 each to undertake renovations and purchase equipment to improve their operations and make their facilities more secure.

Judge Pfau said, 'Town and village courts play a critical role in the justice system of our state. It is vital that these courts, whose jurisdiction includes non-felony criminal prosecutions, motor vehicle cases, small civil claims and landlord-tenant disputes, be well-equipped and secure. I am, therefore, pleased to announce Justice Court Assistance Program grants totaling $5 million statewide, to help ensure that these courts, which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.'

New York's nearly 1300 Justice Courts are funded by the towns and villages they serve. They provide a significant source of local and state revenue, and their ability to process cases and information promptly is essential to maintaining a statewide comprehensive criminal history database, as well as the operation of programs that protect domestic violence victims and keep drunk drivers off the road.

These courts often have limited resources reflecting the budgetary limitations of the towns and villages that support them.

These grants, awarded by the Chief Administrative Judge of the state court system, make it possible for justice courts to acquire essential equipment, enhance security, and maintain a dignified and appropriate appearance.

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