J 1216: Congratulating The Honorable Janet C. Malone upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 17 years of distinguished service to the State of New York as a Supreme Court Justice

 Senate Resolution No. 1216 BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS CONGRATULATING The Honorable Janet C. Malone upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 17 years of distinguished service to the State of New York as a Supreme Court Justice in the Ninth Judicial District WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in acknowledging and celebrating individuals whose commitment, service, and professional excellence have had a profound and enduring impact on their communities and the people of this State; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those esteemed individuals whose purposeful careers have enriched the legal, civic, and cultural fabric of New York State; and WHEREAS, The Honorable Janet C. Malone will retire from her position as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the Ninth Judicial District, bringing to a close a storied and historic legal career defined by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice; and WHEREAS, Janet C. Malone was born in Barbados, West Indies, and immigrated to the United States in 1971; despite humble beginnings, she excelled academically and earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Utica University in 1986, later receiving her Juris Doctorate from the City University of New York School of Law in 1989; and WHEREAS, Janet C. Malone began her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan under the legendary Honorable Robert Morgenthau, where she prosecuted major felonies and argued before the Appellate Division, First Department; in 1997, she transitioned into private practice, representing clients in criminal, matrimonial, family, and general civil litigation; and WHEREAS, In 2003, Janet C. Malone joined the New York State Court System as a Support Magistrate in Westchester County Family Court; in 2007, she was elected as a Family Court Judge in Westchester County, becoming only the second African-American woman to hold that position; and WHEREAS, On November 8, 2016, Justice Janet C. Malone made history as the first Caribbean-American and first African American woman elected to the New York State Supreme Court in the Ninth Judicial District, which includes the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, and Dutchess; and WHEREAS, A respected jurist and lecturer, Justice Janet C. Malone has shared her deep knowledge of criminal law, family and matrimonial law, guardianship, and mental health issues with her peers and the public; her contributions as a member of the New York State Judicial Task Force on Mental Illness and her advocacy concerning the impact of antipsychotic medication on children in foster care reflect her dedication to vulnerable populations; and WHEREAS, Justice Janet C. Malone's dedication extends beyond the courtroom; she has mentored numerous students, from high school through law school, and along with her husband, George, provides scholarships to high school students demonstrating a commitment to public service and STEAM education; and WHEREAS, Her service and leadership have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Harriet Tubman Legacy Award, the Society of Foreign Consuls International Women Leaders Award, the Finer Womanhood Award, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, and the Community Service Award from Sister to Sister International, Inc.; in 2020, she was named one of 100 Outstanding Barbadian-Americans in celebration of Barbados' 55th Anniversary of Independence; and WHEREAS, Justice Janet C. Malone currently serves as a member of the Board of the Judicial Friends Association, Inc., and the Advisory Board of Mercy University, and has been a longtime member and former Board of Visitors member at the City University School of Law; she also maintains active membership in the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York and Sister to Sister International, Inc.; and WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Justice Janet C. Malone has been a dedicated member of the Westchester Black Bar Association, where she served as Vice President and on the Board of Directors; in recognition of her legal acumen and dedication to justice, she was recently honored with the Constance Baker Motley Award, named in tribute to a pioneering jurist and civil rights advocate; and WHEREAS, Justice Janet C. Malone's career has been marked by distinction, purpose, and a resolute sense of service to the people of New York; her unwavering pursuit of justice and her exemplary contributions to the legal profession leave an indelible legacy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate The Honorable Janet C. Malone upon the occasion of her retirement, and to extend its deepest appreciation for her outstanding service and significant contributions to the people of the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Janet C. Malone.