New York State Court system’s annual report released

The New York State Unified Court system has issued its annual report for the previous year.

Among the issues addressed in the report for 2023 are:

• operational improvements;
• advances in courtroom technology;
• reforms to help close the justice gap;
• profiles of the New York State Courts’ new leadership team.

The New York State Unified Court System is administered by the Office of Court Administration (OCA) under the authority of the Chief Judge and Chief Administrative Judge. OCA provides financial management, automation, public safety, personnel management and other essential services to support day-to-day court operations throughout the state, including Schuyler County.

A complete copy of the report is available here.

Second Amendment Legal Update: April 2024

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Snoopy, the Legal Beagle

https://youtu.be/b1jqMsP1hXk

New York Courts Launch Law Day Art Contest

NEWS ADVISORY:

Law Day is commemorated annually on May 1st to highlight the rule of law and the freedoms that Americans hold dear. In celebration of Law Day 2024, the Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives–Division of Access to Justice has partnered with the Historical Society of the New York Courts to invite high school students statewide to participate in an art contest inspired by the American Bar Association’s 2024 Law Day theme, “Voices of Democracy.” This year’s Law Day theme underscores the importance of participating in elections by deepening our understanding of the elections process, discussing the issues with family, friends and others in a civil manner, and helping move the country forward after the election process.

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Submissions should be original pieces of art that depict what the Law Day 2024 theme means to the artist. All submissions must be received by April 11, 2024. The winners will be announced on May 1, 2024. First, second, and third prize winners will receive monetary prizes––courtesy of the Historical Society of the New York Courts––and have their artwork featured on the court system’s website

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For more information, including links to the contest rules and the entry registration form, click here.

2024 Voting: key dates, resources, and hotline information

Each year, for both the June primary and November general elections (and the April primary for presidential election years), New York State runs an Election Protection Hotline during the early voting period and on Election Day.

Volunteers will troubleshoot issues and work with local boards of elections when necessary.

Persons who experience problems voting can call 1-866-390-2992 or submit a voter complaint here.

Important dates and deadlines are available here.

How to make sure your solar glasses are real and safe for the eclipse

From WENY:

On Monday April 8th, 2024... a total solar eclipse will cross over North America. Many people will want to see it but, in order to do so, viewers will need to use protective eye wear.

Solar glasses are the most ideal method for checking out the solar spectacle but there are certain glasses you can use and others that you can’t. When purchasing glasses, you have to pay extra attention to which you’re buying and check if they meet certain requirements. The right glasses contain specific filters and a certain mark that you have to be on the lookout for.

To find out where you can purchase solar glasses of your own, NASA recommends the American Astronomical Society’s website. NASA also provides more on their website for when and where you can view the solar eclipse.

Second Amendment Legal Update: March 2024

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County officials unveil consumer pamphlets and information as part of National Consumer Protection Week

Watkins Glen, NY—Schuyler County officials are joining government agencies nationwide to commemorate National Consumer Protection Week.

The Schuyler County legislature has proclaimed the week of March 3 through March 9 as National Consumer Protection Week to provide information of interest to county consumers. In addition, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging and Schuyler County Attorney will be providing tips and resources relating to consumer protection information to protect Schuyler County residents from falling prey to scams, fraud, and identity theft.

This annual event marks a time when government agencies work together to promote consumer rights and educate the public on how to spot, report, and avoid becoming a victim of consumer fraud.

“Scams and frauds, including identity theft and phishing are a massive problem in society today,” Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman said. “If consumers learn about the best practices to keep their finances secure, they have a less likelihood of becoming a statistic. Every year Americans lose billions of dollars in losses and hardship.”

According to Office for the Aging Director Tammy Waite, seniors are an especially vulnerable target for scammers.

“Almost anyone under the right circumstances can fall for a phony offer or promotion, however, older Americans are usually more susceptible than others,” Waite said. “Scammers use promises of large financial gains or sometimes even romantic relationships to lure victims in, only to manipulate them into giving their life savings away. They prey on our older citizens who are trusting, vulnerable and can sometimes unknowingly fall for a scam.”

The Federal Trade Commission received 5.2 million victim reports describing more than $8.8 billion in losses to fraud in 2022 compared to $6.1 billion in losses the year prior. In that same time frame, investment scam losses more than doubled from $1.8 billion in 2021 to $3.8 billion last year.

To help combat scams, during Consumer Protection Week the County will distribute free pamphlets with website links and consumer protection information. The materials will be available at the County Office for the Aging, in Montour Falls, and the County Attorney’s Office in Watkins Glen. Information is also online at the county attorney website.

The Schuyler County Office for the Aging’s mission statement is to advocate for, educate and assist the senior and disabled populations of Schuyler County to live in the most independent and integrated setting through community collaboration providing for well-being/health, security, dignity, autonomy and choice through innovative home and community-based services. As director, Waite Supervises and conducts social, educational, recreational, and health programs for senior citizens under the direction of the New York State Office for the Aging and the federal Administration for Community Living.

As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county, including civil adult protective cases.

A copy of the legislature’s resolution is available here:

RECOGNIZE NATIONAL CONSUMER... by Steven Getman

Schuyler County hosts rabies clinic

The next Schuyler County Rabies clinic will be: Saturday, February 24, 2024 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, at the Shared Services Building 910 S. Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY.

Clinics are free, but donations are accepted.

It is New York State law that all dogs, cats, and domestic ferrets be vaccinated against rabies after they reach the age of 4 months. Animals must remain up to date on rabies vaccination at all times.

Other clinics are scheduled for later in 2024.

For more information, click here.

Happy Lincoln’s Birthday