Research

Scope and Content Note

The series consists of published volumes of annual reports of the Judicial Conference on its proceedings and the work of various courts of the state, which it was required by law to report to the legislature. Early volumes continue the format and coverage of its predecessor, the Judicial Council. Later volumes (from 1962) include the report of the Administrative Board of the Judicial Conference as well as that of the Judicial Conference itself, reflecting court reorganization under the state constitution. Volumes dating from 1975 on (pursuant to changes mandate by Chapter 615 of the Laws of 1974) include reports of the Administrative Board of the Judicial Conference, the Judicial Conference itself, and the Office of Court Administration.

Reports prior to 1975 covered a judicial year, which began on the first of July and end on June 30th of the following year. A special 6-month transition report was produced for July 1, 1974 to December 31, 1974. From 1975 onward the reports cover a full calendar year. The 1971 report for judicial year July 1, 1969 to June 30, 1970 is missing from the series.

Reports typically include statements on committee compositions, summaries of recent developments resulting from implementation of legislative acts, and detailed reviews of activities of state and municipal (New York City) criminal and civil courts, judicial data centers, and products of related task forces, studies, law conferences, and special programs. There are extensive statistical tables and appendices in the reports.