How Does The New York Supreme Court Work?

The New York Supreme Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in the State Unified Court System. Although the court has unlimited jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases, it typically only hears cases that are outside the jurisdiction of lower courts of limited authority. In fact, with the exception of New York City, the Supreme Court primarily serves as the court of civil jurisdiction, with the majority of criminal cases handled by the County Court.

The New York Supreme Court is different from its equivalents in other states for two distinct reasons: first, the Supreme Court functions as a trial court and not the highest appellate court in the state. The court of last resort in New York is the Court of Appeals. Second, although the New York Supreme Court is a trial court, it does not function as an aggregation of separate courts sitting in several counties or judicial districts of the state. Rather, it sits as a single great tribunal of general statewide jurisdiction. As such, the Supreme Courts in each of New York’s 62 counties are basically branches of a single unit.

Cases within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court include:

• Unlimited monetary claims beyond the jurisdiction of lower courts
• Exclusive jurisdiction over matrimonial matters such as divorce and annulment
• Equitable claims such as injunctions, contract rescission, declaratory judgment actions, and specific performance
• Exclusive jurisdiction over Article 78 proceedings—that is, claims against an officer or body seeking to overturn an official resolution on the grounds that it was unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious or inconsistent with the law
• For New York City Supreme Courts, criminal jurisdiction in felony offenses

Generally speaking, the Supreme Courts in New York have no jurisdiction over:

• Claims against the state government
• Cases under federal law including bankruptcy cases, copyright and patent proceedings, federal crimes, and personal damage matters filed under the federal antitrust laws
• Administrative cases involving administrative agencies
• Matters involving questions of law

The Supreme Court has established specialized units to serve varying functions. For instance, the court’s appellate division operates as the intermediate appellate court in the state. The Commercial Division of the Supreme Court focuses on commercial litigation proceedings and is often referred to as the Business Court.

The Supreme Court System is divided into thirteen judicial districts: one district serving Long Island, five districts corresP. O.nding to the five boroughs of New York City, and seven upstate districts, each encompassing about five and eleven counties.

The Court Administrator is resP. O.nsible for supervising and managing the trial court outside New York City. In New York City, an administrator, usually a judge, is assigned to supervise each major court. The Court Administrators (Administrative Judges) usually establish individual assignment systems to ensure a streamlined court administrative process. The Chief Administrator usually authorizes a random selection method that must be followed by clerks when assigning filed cases to judges.

Judges of New York Supreme Courts are titled Justices. The judicial P. O.sition is filled by election following nominations by nomination conventions in each judicial district. In actuality, the nomination process is partisan, with P. O.litical parties influencing and restricting the nomination to candidates that have received party approval. Cross-endorsements by different P. O.litical parties are common but not always certain. After the nomination process is completed, contestants and incumbent justices seeking re-elections must actively campaign for their prospective P. O.sitions.

Generally, Supreme Court Justice aspirants must meet the P. O.sition’s eligibility criteria before they may be considered:

• They must be admitted to practice law in New York for at least ten years
• They must be greater than 18 years of age
• They must be citizens of New York State
• They must be residents of the county from which they beseech P. O.sition

A single tenure of a Supreme Court justice is 14 years. While re-elections are common, a justice may be prompted to leave office on grounds of retirement, illness, or judicial misconduct. Even then, justices may serve until they are 76 years old, provided it is certified that they are mentally and physically capable to discharge the duties of the office. Such certifications are issued every two years until the maximum retirement age is attained (N. Y. Const. Art. VI § 25 (b))..

In practice, some judges of the New York Court of Claims, New York Family Court, New York City Civil Court, and New York City Criminal Court are designated as “Acting Supreme Court Justices” to inhibit the increasing number of pending cases in the supreme court. It is worthy to note that the retirement-certification-retention process is open to only elected Supreme Court Justices and not to acting justices that are primarily elected or apP. O.inted to lower courts.

Pursuant to Section 255 of the New York Judiciary Law, Supreme Court Records are maintained and disseminated by the clerk of court and not the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Requests submitted to the court clerk must be for a specific record, and include relevant details necessary to locate the record. Older records are archived and maintained by the corresP. O.nding County Clerk.

The New York State Unified Court System features a searchable database known as WebCivil Supreme where users can remotely access records of civil cases filed with all supreme courts in the state. Interested parties may launch searches on the database using index number, party name, attorney name, or justice name.

The state’s unified court system also provides an e-Track Database where interested persons can obtain updated information on active Civil Supreme Court cases in all counties in the state.

It is also P. O.ssible to obtain paper copies from the particular Supreme Courthouse where a case was filed. Note that court clerk are allowed to charge a fee for reproducing and certifying court records. Requesters are recommended to contact the court clerk to ascertain copy fees and payment methods, and for additional inquiries. The addresses, and contact details of the Supreme Courts are listed below:

Albany County (3 Locations)
Albany County Supreme Court
Albany County Courthouse, Room 102
16 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 285–8989
Fax: (518)453–8697

Albany County Supreme Court
112 State Street
Suite 1212
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 285–8989

Albany County Supreme Court
50 Chapel Street
1st Floor
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: (518) 285–8989

Allegany County
Allegany County Supreme Court
7 Court Street
Belmont, NY 14813–1084
Phone: (585) 449–3416
Fax: (585) 449–3474
Chief Clerk’s Phone: (585) 449–3462
Deputy Chief Clerk’s Phone: (585) 449–3462

Broome County
Broome County Courthouse
92 Court Street
P.O. Box 1766
Binghamton, NY 13902
Phone: (607) 240–5800
Fax: (607) 240–5940

Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx County Supreme Court
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618–1400

Bronx County Supreme Court, Criminal
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx County Supreme Court
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 590–3803

Bronx County Supreme Court, Criminal
265 East 161st Street
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 618–3100

Cattaraugus County
Cattaraugus County Supreme Court
303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
Phone: (716) 379–6636
Fax: (716) 938–6413

Chief Clerk’s Phone: (716) 379–6639
Deputy Chief Clerk’s Phone: (716) 379–6640
Cayuga County Supreme & County Court
152 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
Phone: (315) 237–6450 Option 1
Fax: (315) 237–6451

Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County Supreme Court
1 North Erie Street
Chautauqua County Courthouse
Mayville, NY 14757
Phone: (716) 753–4266
Fax: (716) 753–4993

Chemung County
Chemung County Supreme Court (M-B)
203–205 Lake Street
Hazlett Building, 6th Floor
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607) 873–9450

Chenango County
Chenango County Supreme Court
13 Eaton Avenue
Norwich, NY 13815
Phone: (607) 337–1457
Fax: (917) 522–3477

Clinton County
Clinton County Supreme Court
137 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518)536–3840
Email: ClintonSupremeCo@nycourts.gov

Columbia County
Columbia County Supreme Court
401 Union Street
Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: (518) 267–3150
Fax: (518) 267–3126

Cortland County Supreme Court
46 Greenbush Street, Suite 301
Cortland, NY 13045
Phone: (607) 218–3320
Fax: (646) 963–6452

Email: CortlandSC@nycourts.gov
Delaware County
Delaware County Supreme Court
3 Court Street
Delhi, NY 13753
Phone: (607) 376–5400
Fax: (646) 963–6402

Dutchess County
Dutchess County Supreme Court
10 Market Street
P. O.ughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 431–1710
Fax: (845) 431–1743

Erie County
Erie County Supreme Court
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) (845) 9301
Fax: (716) 851–3293

Erie County Supreme Court 2
92 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) (845) 9301
Fax: (716) 851–3293

Erie County Supreme Court 3
50 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (716) (845) 9301
Fax: (716) 851–3293

Essex County
Essex County Supreme Court
7559 Court Street
P.O. Box 217
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
Phone: (518)873–3370
Fax: (518) 451–8738

Franklin County Supreme Court
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Phone: (518) 353–7340

Fulton County
Fulton County Supreme Court
223 West Main Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone: (518) 736–5662
Fax: (518) 762–5078

Genesee County
Genesee County Supreme Court
1 West Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 201–5715
Fax: (585) 344–8517

Greene County
Greene County Supreme Court
320 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
Phone: (518) 625–3160
Fax: (518) 625–3122

Hamilton County
Hamilton County Supreme Court 1
102 County View Drive
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
Phone: (518) 648–5411
Fax: (518) 453–8687

Hamilton County Supreme Court 2
223 West Main Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
Phone: (518) 736–5539
Fax: (518) 451–8744

Mail Address:
139 White Birch Lane
P.O. Box 780
Indian Lake, NY 12842

Herkimer County
Herkimer County Supreme Court
301 North Washington Street
Herkimer, NY 13350
Phone: (315) 619–3400
Fax: (315) 266–4683

Jefferson County
Jefferson County Supreme Court
317 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 221–5818
Fax: (315) 266–4779

Kings County
Kings County Supreme Court - Civil Term
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 675–7699

Kings County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
320 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 296–1076
Fax: (347) 296–1977

Lewis County Supreme Court
Lewis County Courthouse
7660 North State Street
Lowville, NY 13367
Phone: (315) 376–5366
Fax: (315) 376–4145

Livingston County Supreme Court
2 Court Street
Geneseo, NY 14454
Phone: (585) 371–3920
Fax: (585) 371–3935

Madison County Supreme Court
Madison County Courthouse
138 North Court Street
P.O. Box 545
Wampsville, NY 13163
Phone: (315) 231–5301
Fax: (646) 963–6588

Monroe County Supreme Court
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd
Room 545
Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: (585) 371–3758
Fax: (585) 371–3780

Montgomery County Supreme Court
58 Broadway
P.O. Box 1500
Fonda, NY 12068
Phone: (518) 853–4516
Fax: (518) 853–3596

Nassau County Supreme Court
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493–3400

Nassau County Supreme Court
Nassau County Matrimonial Center
400 County Seat Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493–3444

New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
80 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386–3685
Fax: (212) 374–3326

New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386–3685
Fax: (212) 374–3326

New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
71 Thomas Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386–3770
Fax: (212) 374–3326

New York County Supreme Court - Civil Branch
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (646) 386–3600
Fax: (212) 374–3326

New York County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
111 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386–4300
Fax: (212) 374–2637

New York County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
100 Centre Street
New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 386–4000
Fax: (212) 374–0667

Niagara County Supreme Court
Angelo A. DelSignore Civic Building
775 3rd Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Phone: (716) 371–4000
Fax: (716) 371–4040

Niagara County Supreme Court
Angelo A. DelSignore Civic Building
775 3rd Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Phone: (716) 371–4000
Fax: (716) 371–4040

Oneida County Supreme Court
Oneida County Supreme Court - Rome
Oneida County Courthouse
302 North James Street
Rome, NY 13440
Phone: (315) 266–4300
Fax: (315) 356–0603

Oneida County Supreme Court - Utica
Oneida County Courthouse
200 Elizabeth Street
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: (315) 266–4200
Fax: (315) 798–6436

Onondaga County Supreme Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671–1030
Fax: (315) 671–1176

Onondaga County Supreme Court -Civil
Dedicated Matrimonial Part
Hughes State Office Building
333 East Washington Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 728–7237
Phone: (315) 728–7238

Onondaga County Supreme Court - Integrated Domestic Violence Court
Onondaga County Courthouse
401 Montgomery Street
Room 203
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 671–2050
Fax: (315) 671–1170

Ontario County
Ontario County Supreme Court
27 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: (585) 412–5300
Fax: (585) 412–5327

Orange County
Orange County Supreme Court
285 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 476–3500
Fax: (845) 291–2525

Orleans County
Orleans County Supreme Court
1 South Main Street, Suite 3
Albion, NY 14411
Phone: (585) 283–6657
Fax: (585) 589–0632

Oswego County
Oswego County Supreme Court
Oswego County Courthouse
25 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Phone: (315) 207–7500
Fax: (315) 266–4519

Otsego County
Otsego County Supreme Court
197 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547–4364
Fax: (646) 963–6663

Mailing address:
197 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326

Putnam County
Putnam County Supreme Court
20 County Center
Carmel, NY 10512
Phone: (845) 208–7830
Fax: (845) 208–7869

Queens County
Queens County Supreme Court - Civil Term
88–11 Sutphin Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11435
Phone: (718) 298–1000
Fax: (718) 298–1176

Queens County Supreme Court - Civil Term
25–10 Court Square
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (718) 298–1000
Fax: (718) 520–2539

Queens County Supreme Court - Criminal Term
125–01 Queens Blvd
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
Phone: (718) 298–1408
Fax: (718) 520–2494

Rensselaer County
Rensselaer County Supreme Court
80 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
Phone: (518) 285–5025
Fax: (518) 285–5077

Richmond County
Richmond County Supreme Court - Civil and Criminal
26 Central Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675–8700
Fax: (212) 952–7215

Richmond County Supreme Court - Matrimonial Division
18 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: (718) 675–8700
Fax: (718) 390–5435

Rockland County
Rockland County Supreme Court
1 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
Phone: (845) 483–8310
Fax: (914) 358–8058

Saratoga County
Saratoga County Supreme Court
30 McMaster Street
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 451–8840
Fax: (518) 453–5937

Schenectady County
Schenectady County Supreme Court
612 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Phone: (518) 285–8401
Fax: (518) 451–8731

Schoharie County
Schoharie County Supreme Court
Schoharie County Courthouse
290 Main Street
Schoharie, NY 12157
Phone: (518) 295–8342
Fax: (518) 295–7226

Schuyler County
Schuyler County Supreme Court
Schuyler County Courthouse
105 9th Street, Unit 35
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Phone: (607) 228–3350
Fax: (646) 963–6590

Seneca County
Seneca County Supreme Court
48 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
Phone: (315) 835–6229
Fax: (315) 835–6234

St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County Supreme Court
St. Lawrence County Courthouse
48 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: (315) 379–2219
Fax: (315) 379–2423

Steuben County
Steuben County Supreme Court
3 East Pulteney Square
Bath, NY 14810
Phone: (607) 622–8219
Fax: (607) 622–8244

Suffolk County
Suffolk County Supreme Court
Hon. Alan D. Oshrin Supreme Court Building
1 Court Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852–2334
Fax: (631) 852–2340

Suffolk County Supreme Court
Cohalan Court Complex
400 Carleton Avenue
P.O. Box 9075
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: (631) 853–5423
Fax: (631) 853–5385

Suffolk County Supreme Court
Arthur M. Cromarty Court Complex
210 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
Phone: (631) 852–2334

Sullivan County
Sullivan County Supreme Court
Lawrence H. Cooke Sullivan County Courthouse
414 Broadway
Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (845) 791–3540
Fax: (845) 791–6170

Tioga County Supreme Court
20 Court Street
P.O. Box 307
Owego, NY 13827
Phone: (607) 689–6102
Fax: (212) 401–5970

Tompkins County Supreme Court
320 North Tioga Street
P.O. Box 70
Ithaca, NY 14851
Phone: (607) 216–6610
Fax: (212) 401–9071

Ulster County Supreme Court
Ulster County Courthouse
285 Wall Street
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 481–9375
Fax: (845) 476–3619

Warren County Supreme Court
1340 State Route 9
Lake George, NY 12845
Phone: (518) 761–6430
Fax: (518) 761–6253

Washington County
Washington County Supreme Court
383 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828
Phone: (518) 746–2521
Fax: (518) 746–2519

Wayne County
Wayne County Supreme Court
54 Broad Street
Lyons, NY 14489
Phone: (315) 665–8117
Fax: (315) 665–8111

Westchester County
Westchester County Supreme Court
111 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
White Plains, NY 10601
Phone: (914) 824–5300 (Civil)
Fax: (914) 824–5873 (Civil)
Phone: (914) 824–5400 (Criminal)
Fax: (914) 824–5065 (Criminal)

Wyoming County Supreme Court
147 North Main Street
Warsaw, NY 14569
Phone: (585) 228–3199
Fax: (585) 228–3236

Yates County Supreme Court
415 Liberty Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (315) 835–6308
Fax: (315) 835–6309