Governor Hochul: "I want to make sure that the work that's being done here, with the elevation of Caitlin Halligan to this position, continues in the vein that it always has throughout our history. This is what's most important to me, that people continue to look at this Court. As we deal with the challenges, they may seem minor to some, but for every person who comes before this bench, this is their day in court. That means something in our nation. It means something in our democracy."
Hochul: "[M]y view is, with the elevation of Caitlin Halligan and this chief judge, we are elevating the stature of this court. In a very short time, we have put it back where it belongs with all the individuals who've already been here, and new blood and new ideas and new perspectives. I want to make sure that we continue to be the place that people know as nothing but the best."
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks at the investiture of Court of Appeals Judge Caitlin Halligan.
VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.
AUDIO of the event is available here.
PHOTOS of the event are available on the Governor's Flickr page.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
What an extraordinary day. As you mentioned, this is not my first investiture. I was here to see the elevation, the ascension of Judge Anthony Cannataro, Judge Madeline Singas and my own appointee a year ago, Judge Shirley Troutman. Sothis is a job, a responsibility as the governor that I take very seriously. This is an opportunity to talk about my priorities as governor, but also have that reflected in the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.
And to take upon myself and the work that's involved in putting names forward. It is a weighty responsibility, knowing that I also stand on the shoulders of many who came before me. Previous members of this court have found themselves on the United States Supreme Court because that is the preeminence that I spoke of when I said, "I was in search of the very best."
And this group of extraordinary leaders, people who take their responsibilities so seriously and have the heart and compassion to lead this branch of government. I want to thank all of them. I want to thank everyone who has said yes, who stepped up, who is sometimes in the line of fire, I know a little bit about that. But it's an incredibly important role.
But it's not just what you're doing today, it is the legacy that you're making for tomorrow. Just look at the pictures of the individuals in this room. It's a reminder of the incredible history of 176 years that this court has been in existence, as a beacon of hope for so many people, a place where disputes can be resolved, but also decisions are made that are going to help foster what New York is known for - our movements, our social movements, how we lean hard into the opportunity to say, "This is New York. We lead, we don't follow."
So, I thank all the other jurists who are here today for what you do. It's also a proud day for your family, Marc and your daughter Anna. I want to thank them for being at your side, seeing your mother go through this seven times was not easy. I know my children can be in the support group with you, for what their parents have to go through, but it's a family journey and I cannot imagine the pride that you must feel right now to see your mother where she belongs, your wife where she belongs after her dedicating her entire life to serving others, this is her rightful place.
And so, congratulations to the family, to dad and proud uncle Larry, he keeps smiling at everybody. To your wonderful family that supports you and cherishes you.
And you grew up in a humble way. We've shared our stories about growing up in Irish Catholic families and it's never easy, her parents were teachers. And you know, people may say, "Well, of course she was born in Manhattan with a silver spoon in her mouth."
No, she came from a rural part of an interesting state sometimes known as a battleground state, the State of Ohio, where she's able to hear different points of view and grow up in a diverse world where people are not always thinking the same way. And I think that was an important part of who you became, that upbringing in a place like Ohio.
But also, I want to make sure that the work that's being done here, with the elevation of Caitlin Halligan to this position, continues in the vein that it always has throughout our history. This is what's most important to me, that people continue to look at this Court. As we deal with the challenges, they may seem minor to some, but for every person who comes before this bench, this is their day in court. That means something in our nation. It means something in our democracy.
So cherish that role, continue to add your voice in it. I'm not going to go through your bio because the Chief Judge already did that so eloquently.
But this is a time in our state's history — we'll be judged by what we do from this day forward. And I'm really very excited about seeing the decisions that are rendered, but also seeing your place in history, all of you. All of the place that you'll have in history. And I also want to talk about our new chief judge, who I'll be - there's an investiture here a little further down the road, right? Took a little more time to plan that one. But my view is, with the elevation of Caitlin Halligan and this chief judge, we are elevating the stature of this court. In a very short time, we have put it back where it belongs with all the individuals who've already been here, and new blood and new ideas and new perspectives.
I want to make sure that we continue to be the place that people know as nothing but the best. So, thank you to everyone who's here today. I know that this is going to be a great day for justice. It's a great day for history, and it's certainly a great day for Caitlin Halligan and her family. So, thank you, everyone, for being part of this momentous occasion.