PHOTO: Former Westchester County District Attorney and newly confirmed Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals Janet DiFiore. Photo Courtesy of John Jay College of Criminal Justice
By Forum Staff
Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore has been confirmed to serve as the next chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals – the state’s highest court – and head of New York’s judiciary branch.
“Janet DiFiore’s confirmation as chief judge of the Court of Appeals and head of New York’s judicial branch marks an exciting step forward for our state and for all New Yorkers,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “She has demonstrated unparalleled integrity and independence throughout her career as both a judge and prosecutor, and her commitment to the highest ethical standards makes her one of New York’s finest public servants. Her keen intellect, unassailable credibility, and diverse experience will serve the court well and ensure a stronger and fairer state for all. I congratulate Chief Judge DiFiore on her confirmation, and look forward to seeing her lead the court for years to come.”
DiFiore is only the second female chief judge in state history. The first – Judith Kaye – was nominated by Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1983.
DiFiore has been district attorney of Westchester since January 2006, currently serving her third term as the county’s chief law enforcement officer. During her tenure, she has investigated and prosecuted crimes involving everything from gang-related violence to identity theft and environmental pollution. DiFiore, according to Cuomo’s office, also has considerable experience with domestic violence issues, and has spearheaded efforts to improve the investigation and handling of child abuse cases. Early in her first term, DiFiore designed and launched the Westchester Intelligence Center, which helps coordinate resources and information sharing among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Prior to 2006, DiFiore spent more than six years on the bench of state and local courts. She first served as a Westchester County Court judge from January 1999 to December 2002, and was later elected to serve as a Supreme Court justice for the New York State Criminal Courts, 9th Judicial District from January 2003 to May 2005.
DiFiore has co-chaired the New York State Justice Task Force since 2009, leading investigations of cases involving wrongful convictions and identifying reforms that will prevent such cases from recurring. She was appointed to this position by the outgoing Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman.
DiFiore received her B.A. from C.W. Post College, Long Island University and a J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law.
