Group Releases New York Judicial Voting Records

Data on Court of Appeals voting patterns surfaces as the state prepares to fill a seat on the bench.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Group Releases New York Judicial Voting Records

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The watchdog group Scrutinize has published detailed judicial voting data for the New York Court of Appeals on its Decoded platform. The release arrives as New York prepares to select a successor for Associate Judge Jenny Rivera, whose term concludes in early 2027.

Why it matters

This transparency effort aims to provide New Yorkers with deeper insights into how the state's highest court resolves critical legal issues. The figures serve to inform public assessment of future judicial candidates following the upcoming vacancy.

Associate Judge Jenny Rivera has served on the court for 13 years, with her current term ending February 10, 2027. The Commission on Judicial Nomination is expected to finalize a shortlist for the position in late 2026 or early 2027.

The players

Scrutinize

Scrutinize is a watchdog organization that tracks and publishes judicial voting patterns to increase transparency in the legal system.

Jenny Rivera

Jenny Rivera is an Associate Judge who has served on the New York Court of Appeals since 2013.

Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul is the Governor of New York responsible for nominating candidates to the state's highest court.

Rowan Wilson

Rowan Wilson currently serves as the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals.

Caitlin Halligan

Caitlin Halligan is an Associate Judge who was appointed to the New York Court of Appeals in 2023.

The details

The analysis focuses on 307 split-decision cases concerning due process, highlighting voting trends for judges including Rowan Wilson and Caitlin Halligan. While Rivera frequently favored expanded due process, Associate Judge Caitlin Halligan voted to expand such protections 26 times in 76 cases and to decrease them 28 times.

Jenny Rivera began her tenure on the court in 2013.
Governor Hochul appointed Caitlin Halligan to the court in 2023.
A commission will compile a shortlist for the seat in late 2026 or early 2027.
Jenny Rivera's current term on the court ends on February 10, 2027.
The mandatory retirement date for Jenny Rivera is in 2032.

Legal Context

Judicial appointments in New York follow a rigorous process involving the Commission on Judicial Nomination and Senate confirmation. This cycle reflects the standard transition protocols governed by state law and mandatory retirement requirements for the seven-member court.

The data release provides residents with specific insights into how their top court shapes due process, potentially influencing public feedback on future nominees. This information helps voters and advocacy groups hold the judiciary accountable through public assessment.

The takeaway

Understanding the voting records of appellate judges is essential for monitoring how due process rights are interpreted at the highest level of state government. Residents can use this information to better evaluate the judicial philosophy of future candidates seeking lifetime or term-based appointments.

What happens next

The Commission on Judicial Nomination will release a shortlist of candidates in late 2026 or early 2027, followed by a gubernatorial nomination and a State Senate confirmation vote.