The New York County Lawyers' Association Task Force on Judicial Budget Cuts, focusing on the effects of budget cuts on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, released a preliminary report that concludes security may be at risk at the Daniel P. Moynihan Courthouse at 500 Pearl Street, and overall courthouse operations will be affected as a result of anticipated personnel reductions.
The preliminary report, released on August 25, includes a detailed letter from the chief judge of the Southern District of New York, Hon. Loretta A. Preska, noting that fundamental security issues identified in September 2002 have never been addressed due to budgetary considerations. According to the report, "The courthouse is an obvious terrorist target and has an average of 2,500 visitors or more per day."
The task force plans to conduct a more in-depth investigation over the next several months, which will include sponsoring a public hearing at NYCLA this fall and the preparation of a more comprehensive report on the impact of the budget cuts on the administration of justice.