New York City judges with law enforcement backgrounds are more likely to set higher bail amounts than those without a similar background, according to a study analyzing nearly 70,000 arraignments. The research found that these judges are about four percentage points more likely to order detention and set cash bail at roughly one-third higher average amounts.
The study's findings have significant implications for the city's judicial system, as it suggests that the backgrounds of judges can shape their decisions on bail and detention. One expert noted that "having this kind of information is important and useful because people come to discussion about crime and public safety from different backgrounds and with different ideas."
The mayor's advisory committee on the judiciary, which screens and recommends most of the city's Criminal Court and Family Court judges, has been assembling a diverse panel with new guidelines around transparency. However, critics argue that the selection process remains opaque, with some reform groups expressing concerns about patronage in judicial appointments.
While the study found no statistically significant differences among judges with legal services or public defense backgrounds, it highlights the need for more data on judicial decision-making processes. The committee's efforts to increase transparency are seen as a step in the right direction, but some advocates argue that more changes are needed to ensure accountability and fairness.
The city's district attorneys offices declined to comment on the study or the mayor's advisory committee. However, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emphasized his commitment to making judicial selection processes more transparent and inclusive, with Ali Najmi, a civil rights attorney, serving as head of the committee.
The study's findings have significant implications for the city's judicial system, as it suggests that the backgrounds of judges can shape their decisions on bail and detention. One expert noted that "having this kind of information is important and useful because people come to discussion about crime and public safety from different backgrounds and with different ideas."
The mayor's advisory committee on the judiciary, which screens and recommends most of the city's Criminal Court and Family Court judges, has been assembling a diverse panel with new guidelines around transparency. However, critics argue that the selection process remains opaque, with some reform groups expressing concerns about patronage in judicial appointments.
While the study found no statistically significant differences among judges with legal services or public defense backgrounds, it highlights the need for more data on judicial decision-making processes. The committee's efforts to increase transparency are seen as a step in the right direction, but some advocates argue that more changes are needed to ensure accountability and fairness.
The city's district attorneys offices declined to comment on the study or the mayor's advisory committee. However, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emphasized his commitment to making judicial selection processes more transparent and inclusive, with Ali Najmi, a civil rights attorney, serving as head of the committee.
. I mean, it's not exactly surprising that they'd be more likely to go for higher bail amounts, but still... four percentage points is a bit of a bigger deal than I thought. It makes me wonder if there's something in those backgrounds that's really shaping their decisions - are they just looking at things from a different perspective? 
. The mayor's trying to do something about it, which is cool, but it's also kinda like saying "Hey, let's make sure the referees are impartial!" when the whole game is rigged 
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i'm all for transparency in the judiciary selection process - it should be more than just a bunch of insiders picking each other. 
we need to make sure these appointments are fair & representative of our community. 
like what's up with that? shouldn't our justice system be fair for everyone regardless of where they came from? 
and its all cuz some judges with law enforcement backgroundz r more likly to set higher bail amounts 
its kinda harsh but i guess it makes sense now that u know whos makin the rules 
, especially with all these concerns about patronage and bias. It's like, shouldn't we be choosing judges based on who's got the best qualifications for the job, not who's got a blue badge or something? 
Anyway, I'm glad Mayor Mamdani is trying to shake things up and make sure we've got some accountability in our courts. More data on judicial decision-making processes would be super helpful too – it's like, how can we trust the system if we don't even know how these decisions are being made? 
The idea that our judges' backgrounds can influence their decisions is pretty mind-blowing. It makes me wonder what other factors might play a role in their judgments. Shouldn't we be focusing on finding the most qualified candidates, regardless of their past? 
Like, you'd think their experiences would be more uniform, right? 
We need more data, like, for real. And what's up with this "patronage" thing? Sounds like some shady stuff going on behind closed doors... 
... I mean, it's not surprising, but still. It's all about how our judicial system is set up, you know? I think the mayor's trying to do the right thing by making these changes and increasing transparency 
. But, like, some reform groups are saying that there's still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to accountability and fairness 
... we need more data on how judges make their decisions, you feel? 
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. But, it's also gotta be true that having diverse panels with new guidelines is a step in the right direction 
. We need more data on how judges are making decisions and we need to make sure they're doing their jobs fairly and impartially 
it's not like they're being bribed or anything. I mean, if you want to know why some people end up in detention, maybe it's because they broke the rules and have a history of doing so? 
it's like when you're trying to order food at a restaurant and the waiter keeps pushing you for more info on your 'connections'. 
