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Q&A

Chair Brooks-Powers asks about state law changes for judicial calendar management

New York City Council · Jun 25, 2026 · starts 1:09:31 · 53 sec

Brooks-Powers asks if Zayas would advocate for state law changes giving judges more latitude. Zayas says the issue is appellate court precedent, not statute, that prevents judges from moving cases to trial over prosecutor objections.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

Would you advocate for any changes to state law that would give judges more latitude to manage their calendar effectively and hold parties to trial dates?

Judge Joseph A. Zayas

I mean, it would not really be, I mean, I would advocate the appellate courts to give judges more discretion because there's precedent which precludes a trial court

Judge Joseph A. Zayas

from, if a prosecutor answers not ready.

Judge Joseph A. Zayas

To move the case to trial over the objection of a prosecutor.

Judge Joseph A. Zayas

So it's more decisional law by our appellate courts that have sort of boxed in the judge's ability.

Judge Joseph A. Zayas

And I don't think that's something that there could be a statutory change to.