To the Editor:

Sitting at the Court of Appeals for this year’s State of the Judiciary, I was expecting a statistical report detailing the New York Court System’s challenges, achievements, and a roadmap for the year to come. I, however, was privileged enough to witness something far more important: a unique perspective.

New York State Court of Appeals Chief Judge Rowan Wilson offered a profound shift in focus from the traditional presentation. Instead of a discussion on technical concerns such as pending cases or the number of judges serving our communities, Chief Judge Wilson cut to the heart of the legal profession. His address instead dove into the human stories underpinning our judicial system.

While facts and figures are important data points for making an efficient court system, these discussions allow us to ignore the human element of the justice system. Instead, this year’s State of the Judiciary placed an emphasis on a much more critical issue: our society’s responsibility to transform the “pipeline to prison” into a “pipeline to a brighter future.”

This vision of redemption and second chances unfolded before us as five courageous individuals, all convicted of murder, bravely shared their transformative journeys. Their stories, filled with resilience and determination, inspired hope and a belief in the power of change.

Two of the speakers are still serving sentences, yet their voices resonated with hope. Their stories of achieving GEDs, college degrees, and even master’s degrees while incarcerated are a testament to the metamorphic power of rehabilitation.

Their commitment to “paying it forward” through teaching and mentoring fellow inmates or creating programs that aid the formerly incarcerated is truly inspiring. One of the speakers, imprisoned at just 17 years old and had never worn a suit until that day, stood as a powerful example of the potential for positive change.

Throughout the State of the Judiciary, Chief Judge Wilson embodied humility, compassion, and a resolute hope for those trapped in the “pipeline to prison.” We were no longer looking at facts and figures but instead witnessing what our system can allow people to achieve.

The emotional gravity of the event, which left the room tearful, underscored our collective duty to foster an environment where transformation is celebrated and supported.

If we truly believe in second chances, we must advocate for a change in society’s view of justice and rehabilitation. Additionally, we must heed Chief Judge Wilson’s other point — to do better to change the trajectory of those already in the “pipeline to prison.” Together, we can build a future that champions dignity and redemption for all.

Marea L. Wachsman, Esq.

President

Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York