NYC Civil Court Judge: Kings County
Connie M. Melendez
Running for: Civil Court Judge in NYC Civil Court Judge: Kings County
Campaign Website: http://www.melendezforjudge.com
Party Line(s):
Democratic
On the Ballot in:
The primary election on September 12
We asked, and Connie M. Melendez answered!
We sent questionnaires to candidates for civil court judge, to find out about their legal experience, and their perspectives on how to apply the law.
Connie M. Melendez put in the time and thought to fill it out, and we're excited to share the responses!
Check out the candidate's answers to these sections below (and note, our questions are in bold).
Connie M. Melendez's Background
Currently serving in any elected office?
No
Current Job
Principal Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice
Previous Jobs
New York City Law Dept.- Assistant Corporation Counsel
Family Advocacy Project- Social Worker
Education
High School Diploma
Rutgers University - B.A. magna cum laude Psychology
Brooklyn Law School - J.D.
Professional Associations
Brooklyn Women's Bar Association. -Board of Directors
Law Secretaries Association - Board of Directors
Brooklyn Bar Association - member
Puerto Rican Bar Association - member
Metropolitan Black Bar Association - member
Brandeis Society - member
Volunteer Experience
Brooklyn Legal Pipeline Program - organizer/mentor
Community Outreach and Youth Mentor
Supervise law school interns in Kings Supreme Court
Community Affiliations and Membership
Independent Neighborhood Democrats - member
Progressive Association for Political Action - member
Bay Democrats - member
Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats - member
Vanguard Independent Democratic Association - member
Stars and Stripes Democratic Club - member
People First Democratic Club
Other Relevant Experience
Social worker to victims of domestic violence and troubled children.
Lessons from Experience
My experience as a litigator and my decision making skills developed as a Principal Law Clerk are assets I bring to the position of civil court judge.
Connie M. Melendez's Legal Experience
Year Admitted to the NYS Bar
1987
Admittance to other jurisdictions, including all federal and state courts and the dates of admission
United States Supreme Court 1994
Recent, relevant Continuing Legal Education (CLE) coursework
I am in compliance with annual CLE requirements. I have also lectured on CLE coursework.
Please provide any information about published works in legal journals or books that demonstrate your legal knowledge and abilities.
I draft legal documents routinely as part of my responsibilities assisting a Supreme Court judge. I published an article in the NY Law Journal that i co-authored.
If you are currently a practicing attorney: how many cases have you tried to conclusion in court or via settlement in the last 5 years?
If you have brought forward cases in Civil Court: what kinds of cases have you brought? (eg personal injury, landlord/tenant, etc.)
N/A
If you are currently a judge or have been a judge: what kinds of cases have you most recently heard? (eg personal injury, landlord/tenant, etc.)
If you are currently or have been a judge: please tell us about your process for making judgments.
N/A
If you have not been active in the court room, please provide information about your experience that is relevant to the position of judge of the civil court.
I am active daily in the court room as part of my responsibilities. Prior to this position, I was a litigator.
Please use this space to tell us more about how your legal experience would inform your work as judge.
I have acquired skills from having been on both sides of the bench, that is, as a litigator in the past and presently as one analyzing issues for a Supreme Court judge.
I have been found Qualified for the position of Civil Court Judge by The Kings County Democratic Party Screening Committee, The New York City Bar Association Screening Committee, The Brooklyn Bar Screening Committee, Central Brooklyn Judicial Screening Panel, and The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club.
Connie M. Melendez's Perspectives on the Law
What is your judicial philosophy? How would your philosophy impact your decisions as a judge?
This question cannot be answered by a judicial candidate.
What are your views on the use of judicial discretion and of judicial restraint?
A judge's discretion is bound by the law. A judge is not above the law and must use restraint to stay within the boundaries of the law.
How would you seek to ensure that juries selected for cases under your jurisdiction are fair and representative?
In civil cases judges do not participate in jury selection. In criminal trials, I will make sure that the selection process is fair and a jury of peers is selected.
How will you work with pro se (self-represented) clients appearing in court?
I will ensure that the judicial process is fair and just and that pro se litigants are treated with respect and dignity. I will make sure that they are provided with information of resources available to them.
How would you seek to improve the justice system via your position as a civil court judge? What legislative or administrative changes would you advance?
I will provide an efficient, just and fair courtroom.
Connie M. Melendez's Demographic Info
Age Range: Prefer not to say
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Straight/Heterosexual
Do you consider yourself a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBT) community? No, but I identify as an Ally
Race: Hispanic/Latino - Cuban
Religion:
Connie M. Melendez's Campaign Finance Info
Connie M. Melendez is not eligible to participate in NYC’s public matching system, as this seat is not included in the program. This office is a state office, and the NYC matching program gives candidates for city offices – mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and city council – the chance to receive 6 times the amount of eligible money she/he raised through the NYC Campaign Finance Board.
For more information about political donations to Connie M. Melendez, and how the money is being spent, check out the candidate filing summaries here.
Credits
A big "thank you" to Connie M. Melendez and campaign team for the time, thought, effort, and willingness to fill out our questionnaire.
Photo Source:
http://nebula.wsimg.com/a683106569afad9bdef06e42cb3303b9?AccessKeyId=2D066EE1F3FB9D479F51&disposition=0&alloworigin=1