Office for Justice Initiatives

UCS Mission Statement

NY State Seal The mission of the Unified Court System (UCS) is to deliver equal justice under the law and to achieve the just, fair and timely resolution of all matters that come before our courts.

In the service of our mission, the UCS is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, and to ensuring that all who enter or serve in our courts are treated with respect, dignity and professionalism. We affirm our responsibility to promote a court system free from any and all forms of bias and discrimination and to promote a judiciary and workforce that reflect the rich diversity of New York State.

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Welcome

The New York State Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives led by Honorable Edwina G. Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives, is charged with directing the New York State Courts Access to Justice Program. The Office for Justice Initiatives (OJI) also oversees child welfare and juvenile and adolescent justice initiatives, including implementation of legislation raising the age of criminal responsibility in New York (commonly known as the “Raise the Age” law). The Office for Justice Initiatives works closely with the Permanent Commission on Access to Justice, as well as with the Advisory Committee on Access for People with Disabilities, the Center for Court Innovation (CCI), the Division of Technology, the Grants Office, the Office of Language Access, Office of Legal Information and law schools.

Law Day Report - 2025

“Law Day, celebrated annually in the month of May, offers us the opportunity to reflect on and discuss the rule of law and its role in our society. Each year, Law Day is centered around a different theme to help guide these discussions. In recognition of this important tradition, the Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Edwina G. Richardson, issues a report focusing on the current year’s Law Day theme.

We are pleased share our 2025 Law Day Report!

Guided by the American Bar Association’s Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” this year’s report spotlights ways that the Office for Justice Initiatives brings this promise to life. From resources that increase court accessibility to the Law Day art contest to educational programs, the Office for Justice Initiatives works in many ways to pursue the Constitution’s promise.

We invite you to review this report and share any questions or feedback with the Office for Justice Initiatives at DCAJ-OJI@nycourts.gov.

Equal Justice Report - 2022

On March 8, 2023, Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro announced the release of the “Equal Justice in the New York State Courts: 2022 Year in Review” report updating the achievements of the court system’s Equal Justice work, led by Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Hon. Edwina Richardson. The report highlights the court system’s statewide efforts over the past year to promote diversity and inclusiveness on the bench and in the courts’ workforce and foster a safe, welcoming and bias-free environment, consistent with the recommendations of the Special Adviser on Equal Justice in the Courts Secretary Jeh Johnson.

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