What law defines a judicial department? What law defines a judicial district? How are New York courts organized?
Answer
New York courts have one of the most complex structures in the nation with historical roots going back to the Dutch settlement. Article Six of the New York State Constitution defines the jurisdiction of the various courts. Judiciary Law § 140 divides the state's trial courts into thirteen judicial districts. Judiciary Law § 70 then assigns these districts to four departments for appellate review. The New York State Constitution, Article VI, §§ 4 and 6 provide additional authority.