The New York Court of Appeals, Albany Law School, and the Albany Law Review: Institutions Dedicated to the Evolution of the Law in New York State
It is a privilege to pay tribute in writing to the Albany Law Review on the occasion of its seventy-fifth anniversary issue. Dating back to our respective formations in 1846 and 1851, the Court of Appeals and Albany Law School have enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship. The New York Court of Appeals has long been regarded as one of the preeminent state high courts in the nation and Albany Law School and its graduates deserve a share of the credit for the Court’s esteemed reputation. Seven Albany Law School alumni, including two Chief Judges, have served on the Court. And dozens of its graduates have served as law clerks over the decades, contributing greatly to the superb quality and professionalism of the Court’s work product.
Throughout its history, the Albany Law Review has brought serious scholarly attention to the work of the New York courts and to the Court of Appeals in particular. This heightened focus on New York law is particularly helpful as a practical resource for the state’s large and sophisticated Bar, but it is also immensely valuable in terms of providing insight into how the Court performs its critical institutional roles of settling and articulating the law, maintaining legal stability and predictability over time, and ensuring that the law remains responsive to the needs and expectations of a changing society.
