Judge Anil Singh’s journey to the bench was filled with challenges. He came to the United States at 18 and worked hard to make a mark. In 2017, he became the first South Asian to sit on an appellate court in New York State.
In May 2023, Judge Singh made history again. He became the first Asian American on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. This panel looks into allegations of judicial misconduct. His appointment shows his dedication to ethics and integrity in the justice system.
His path to the bench was not easy. A report by the New York State Bar Association showed more work is needed to increase diversity in judges. Despite this, Judge Singh’s success inspires others from underrepresented backgrounds.
Throughout his career, Judge Singh has handled important criminal justice cases. In May 2022, he gave a dissenting opinion on a case about DNA databanks. His efforts to protect justice and civil liberties have won him respect from peers and the community.
Immigrant Journey to the Bench
Judge Anil Singh’s journey to becoming a judge shows the power of the American dream. As a young South Asian immigrant, he didn’t dream of being a judge at first. But his hard work and dedication changed that for many others.
His story is part of the push for more diversity in the judiciary.
Overcoming Barriers as a South Asian Judge
Being a south asian judge came with its own set of challenges for Singh. Yet, he didn’t give up. He used his unique background to make a mark in the legal world.
His rise to the appellate court and the Commission on Judicial Conduct is a big deal. It’s not just about his success but also for the Asian American legal community.
Inspiring Diverse Representation in the Judiciary
Singh’s story motivates those dreaming of asian american representation in law. He knows how crucial democratic institutions are. And he works hard to make the judiciary more diverse.
His efforts are making the legal system more inclusive. It’s becoming a better reflection of the society it serves.
“My path to the bench has not been a traditional one, but it has been immensely rewarding. As an immigrant, I have a unique perspective that allows me to understand the critical role that our democratic institutions play in the lives of all Americans, regardless of their background.”
– Judge Anil Singh
A Nontraditional Path to Judgeship
Judge Anil Singh’s journey to becoming a judge was not like most others. After finishing law school at the Antioch School of Law, he started as a principal court attorney to Justice Alice Schlesinger. Schlesinger, a trailblazer on the New York civil court, played a key role in his career.
She saw Singh’s talent and potential and urged him to run for her seat on the Civil Court. With her backing and connections, Singh won the election. This was a turning point in his nontraditional legal career.
Mentorship from Pioneering Judge Alice Schlesinger
Schlesinger did more than just support Singh’s campaign. She mentored him, introducing him to important people in the legal world and preparing him for being a civil court judge. This guidance was crucial, giving Singh the skills and connections he needed to succeed.
Singh’s journey to becoming a judge was different from the usual path. His story highlights the power of mentorship and how it can lead to diverse representation in the legal system.
| Criteria | Traditional Path | Judge Anil Singh’s Path |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Background | Elite Law School | Antioch School of Law |
| Initial Legal Experience | Private Law Firm | Principal Court Attorney |
| Pathway to Judgeship | Appointment or Election | Mentorship and Encouragement |
“Justice Schlesinger’s mentorship and guidance were instrumental in my transition to the judiciary. She introduced me to the right people and prepared me for the role, which was crucial in my nontraditional path to the bench.”
Landmark Criminal Justice Rulings
Dissent on Familial DNA Searches
Judge Anil Singh has played a key role in many important criminal justice cases. In 2022, he wrote a strong dissent. This was when the 1st Appellate Department said New York’s DNA Databank went too far by using familial searches.
Judge Singh and Justice Jeffrey Oing said the people suing didn’t have the right to sue. This was because their DNA wasn’t in the databank. Their dissent showed Judge Singh’s deep commitment to criminal justice rulings. It also showed his deep understanding of judicial dissent.
The decision on familial dna searches showed Judge Singh’s sharp analysis. He was ready to question the law if it was wrong. This dissent showed he’s a respected judge who speaks his mind on appellate court decisions. These decisions affect the criminal justice system a lot.
“The plaintiffs here lack standing to challenge the Databank’s inclusion of familial searching, as their DNA is not in the Databank and they have not demonstrated any actual or imminent injury from the practice.”
Judge Singh’s dissent highlights his dedication to the rule of law. He wants the criminal justice system to be fair and just. His sharp legal skills and strong principles have won him respect from his peers and the legal world.
judge anil singh
Judge Anil Singh has made a big mark in New York’s legal world. He’s a judge in the Delhi High Court and has been since 2017. His term ends on December 31, 2027. He’s also been a judge in the New York Supreme Court since 2014, and his term there ends on January 1, 2028.
Singh worked hard to become a judge. In 2013, he won the election with 28.1% of the vote. He was up against other candidates for three seats. Before that, he was re-elected in 2012 without any opposition.
As a Delhi High Court judge, Singh has handled many cases. There were 244 cases in New York County under him. The most cases in one case was 46, and the least was 1. Cases have been increasing over the years, with 171 in 2016, 69 in 2017, and 4 in 2018.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cases filed by Judge Anil Singh | 244 |
| Average files per case | 14.14 |
| Most files for a single case | 46 |
| Least files for a single case | 1 |
| Cases filed in 2016 | 171 |
| Cases filed in 2017 | 69 |
| Cases filed in 2018 | 4 |
Judge Singh has greatly influenced the Indian judiciary and legal profession in New York. His hard work and knowledge have made him a key figure in the state’s legal scene. His decisions have greatly affected the lives of many people.
Upholding Stop-and-Frisk Reform
A judge in New York made a big decision. He said people can sue police for illegal stop-and-frisk based on race. This move was seen as a win for civil rights and making police more accountable.
The Community Safety Act was made by the New York City Council. It aimed to fix the issue of stop-and-frisk unfairly targeting minorities. Judge Singh said the law was okay and the City Council could make rules about police actions and civil rights.
Between 2002 and 2010, stop-and-frisk actions went up a lot in New York City. Most of these didn’t lead to an arrest. Also, minorities were often the ones getting stopped.
“The local law was important, building trust and respect between officers and the communities they serve,” said Donna Lieberman, president of the New York Civil Liberties Union, commending Judge Singh’s decision.
Michael Bloomberg and police unions didn’t like the law. But Bill de Blasio and civil rights groups did. The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association plans to appeal, worried about safety and legal issues for officers.
Judge Singh’s decision supports the City Council’s work on racial bias and police accountability in New York City. It shows how important courts are in protecting civil rights and pushing for police reform.
Judicial Inquiry into Eric Garner’s Death
Judge Anil Singh made a big decision. He allowed the New York State Supreme Court to look into Eric Garner’s death. This is a key step towards making sure those involved are held accountable. It’s also about making things clear in cases where police are involved.
The inquiry starts on October 25th. It will look into if police followed their duties and if they properly investigated Garner’s death in 2014. Garner, a 43-year-old father of six, died after a police officer put him in a chokehold.
- The inquiry aims to clear up what city officials and NYPD officers did or didn’t do.
- There are worries about the lack of action against other officers, like Justin Damico, who made a false report.
- The inquiry wants to find out if the city and its leaders did enough to address Garner’s death and any cover-ups.
Getting to this point took a long time. In 2014, Garner’s mom, Gwen Carr, wanted to sue the City and NYPD for $75 million. The US Department of Justice looked into it too, but decided not to charge Pantaleo in 2019.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Appeal No. | 14059-14059A |
| Index No. | 101332/19 |
| Case No. | 2021-00016, 2021-00476 |
| Officers Involved | 5 subjects of NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) investigation, 11 other officers at the scene |
| Grand Jury Decision | Staten Island grand jury voted not to indict Pantaleo on December 3, 2014 |
| Judicial Inquiry | Ongoing for 7 years since the incident in 2014, starting on October 25th |
The inquiry into eric garner death is a big step towards tackling police brutality and civil rights issues in New York. As it moves forward, it’s important that it brings out the truth. This will ensure justice for Eric Garner and his family.
Commission on Judicial Conduct
In 2023, Judge Anil Singh made history by becoming the first Asian American on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. This role lets him review complaints about judges’ ethical behavior. Before this, he worked on the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, helping judges with ethical questions.
The Commission on Judicial Conduct is key to keeping the legal system honest and trusted. With Singh on board, the panel aims to keep judges to the highest ethical standards. His addition shows how important it is to have diverse views in the judiciary.
Ensuring Ethical Conduct in the Judiciary
The judicial conduct commission looks into misconduct claims against judges. Singh’s knowledge in judicial ethics and ethics advisory opinions is crucial. He helps keep the legal system fair.
Singh’s work on the Commission shows his commitment to a fair judiciary. His role is vital in keeping the public’s trust in justice. It highlights the Commission’s role in protecting the legal profession’s ethics.
“Judge Singh’s role on the Commission on Judicial Conduct is a testament to his commitment to ensuring ethical conduct within the judiciary. His expertise and experience in navigating complex ethical issues will be invaluable in maintaining the public’s trust in the legal system.”
Future Prospects in Mediation and Arbitration
Judge Anil Singh sees a bright future in mediation and arbitration. His skills in settling disputes make him a great fit for these methods. He’s excited to use his abilities in alternative dispute resolution.
His time on the bench has shown him how vital mediation and arbitration are. These methods help solve complex legal issues in a way that keeps control with the parties. They offer chances for everyone to win, unlike traditional court battles.
| ADR Technique | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Mediation |
|
| Arbitration |
|
As laws change, Singh sees his skills as a big plus in mediation and arbitration. He’s great at breaking down complex issues and helping parties agree. He’s looking forward to using his settlement skills and knowledge in alternative dispute resolution to help clients.
“Mediation and arbitration offer a more collaborative and forward-looking approach to dispute resolution, which aligns with my personal and professional values,” says Judge Singh. “I’m eager to explore this legal career transition and continue serving the community in this capacity.”
Legacy of Immigrant Success in the Legal Profession
The journey of Justice Anil P. Singh from India to the New York judiciary shows the power of immigrant success in law. His rise to the Appellate Division and the Commission on Judicial Conduct has opened doors for more diversity in law.
Singh’s career is part of a long history of immigrant contributions in New York law. The first Jewish American male lawyer, Sampson Simson, started in 1800. The first openly LGBTQ+ male lawyer, Harris L. Kimball, joined in 1973. Singh, as the first South Asian American male on the Appellate Division, adds to this legacy of diversity and achievement.
The legal field is changing, and it needs a diverse judiciary that reflects society. Singh’s story, along with others like Randall T. Eng and Rowan D. Wilson, highlights the need for more underrepresented groups in leadership. By inspiring future lawyers, we can make sure justice is served by a truly diverse community.