NYS Supreme Court Justice: New York County District 1
Anthony Cannataro
Running for: Supreme Court Justice in NYS Supreme Court Justice: New York County District 1
Campaign Website:
Party Line(s):
Democratic
On the Ballot in:
We asked, and Anthony Cannataro answered!
We sent questionnaires to candidates for supreme court justice, to find out about their legal experience, and their perspectives on how to apply the law.
Anthony Cannataro 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).
Anthony Cannataro's Background
Currently serving in any elected office?
;
Current Job
Previous Jobs
Education
Professional Associations
Volunteer Experience
Community Affiliations and Membership
Other Relevant Experience
Lessons from Experience
Anthony Cannataro's Legal Experience
Year Admitted to the NYS Bar
1997
Admission to other jurisdictions, including all federal and state courts and the dates of admission
SDNY, 2003
Recent, relevant Continuing Legal Education (CLE) coursework
Recurring Ethics Issues: The Judicial Perspective (Faculty), 2017 Judicial Education Seminar (Faculty: Personal Injury), NYC Family Court 2017 Court Attorney CLE Program (Faculty: Legal Landscape Same-Sex Families), New York State Trial Lawyers: Trying Your First Case (Faculty)
Please provide any information about published works in legal journals or books that demonstrate your legal knowledge and abilities.
Published decisions: Tirana v AXA Equitable Life Ins. Co. (2017); Sheppard v City of NY (New York Law Journal, 2017); West Investors v New Cingular Wireless PCS (New York Law Journal, 2016); Nalea Realty Corp. v Quinonez (New York Law Journal, 2015); Surgicare Surgical v National Interstate Insurance Co. (2014); Manor Towers Owners Corp. v McGann (New York Law Journal, 2014); Ramirez v Rosario (2014); Lancman v Rappaport, Hertz, Cherson & Rosenthal, PC (2014)
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 Supreme Court: what kinds of cases have you brought? (eg divorce, civil claims, foreclosures, criminal)
If you are currently a judge or have been a judge: what kinds of cases have you most recently heard? (eg divorce, civil claims, foreclosures, criminal)
If you are currently or have been a judge: please tell us about your process for making judgments.
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 supreme court.
As a court administrator for the past two years, I spend less time in the courtroom than in the past and more time managing a courthouse and judges. But even my work as administrator has helped me appreciate the fact courts work best when justice is delivered fairly, competently and quickly.
Supreme court judges are eligible to be appointed by the governor or assigned by the chief administrative judge to serve in the appellate division or part of Supreme Court. Would you seek this appointment? If so, please provide information about your experience that would inform your ability to serve in this role.
I have extensive experience working in an appellate court, so an appointment to one is not out of the question. But I don't plan on seeking an appointment to an appellate court anytime soon.
Anthony Cannataro's Perspectives on the Law
What is your judicial philosophy? How would your philosophy impact your decisions as a judge?
I think the words of George Washington carved over the steps of the New York County courthouse sum up my philosophy the best: The true administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government. To me that means that, as a judge, I must strive to make decisions without prejudice, influence or fear.
What are your views on the use of judicial discretion and of judicial restraint?
Judicial discretion and restraint are two sides of the same juridical coin. But I believe that the ultimate responsibility of a judge is to see to it that justice is done. Discretion is a tool I sometimes use to reach that lofty goal; restraint is a tool I sometimes use as well.
How would you seek to ensure that juries selected for cases under your jurisdiction are fair and representative?
First, I would encourage every adult citizen of New York City to GO TO JURY DUTY willingly and enthusiastically when summoned. And, once they got there, I would remind them that even though most of us have busy and important lives with lots of responsibilities, the only way our system of jury trials can truly work the way it's intended is when everyone participates.
How will you work with pro se (self-represented) clients appearing in court?
Much of the work I currently do in the courtroom is with self-represented litigants. I like to think each of them walks away believing that they were given an opportunity to be heard and to make their best case even though they may not be familiar with the rules of law and procedure.
How would you seek to improve the justice system via your position as a supreme court judge? What legislative or administrative changes would you advance?
Much of the work I currently do as an administrator is geared directly towards improving the delivery of justice in our courts. I attend seminars for court administrators, speak at bar associations about the work of the court, receive and respond to numerous letters of complaint and commendation from litigants, and generally work every day to make my courthouse a place where people believe that justice is served. I hope I can continue doing those things as a Supreme Court Justice.
Anthony Cannataro's Demographic Info
Age Range:
Gender:
Sexual Orientation:
Do you consider yourself a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender (LGBT) community?
Race:
Religion:
Anthony Cannataro's Campaign Finance Info
Anthony Cannataro 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 Anthony Cannataro, and how the money is being spent, check out the candidate filing summaries here.
Credits
A big "thank you" to Anthony Cannataro and campaign team for the time, thought, effort, and willingness to fill out our questionnaire.
Photo Source:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-cannataro-382b842/