Love! Valour! Compassion! David Kaczynski (left) and City Court Judge William Carter were honored by the Center for Law and Justice last week. Photos by Will Waldron

Honorable Mentions

The Center for Law and Justice held its ninth annual Community Conference on Criminal Justice with a reception and awards ceremony on Friday, April 26, at Albany Law School. This year, City Court Judge William Carter and Federal Magistrate Judge Randolph Treeze were honored as the first two African- Americans to be appointed to judgeships in the Capital District.

“The appointment of two men of African-American descent to a federal judgeship and a city-court judgeship is encouraging to the African-American community and the general public,” said Alice Green, executive director of the Center for Law and Justice. “Many believe that a racially diverse bench will serve to increase fairness in the judicial system.”

With the exception of the Court of Appeals, no Capital Region courts had African-American judges until this past year.

Carter, an Albany native, was appointed in December by Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings to fill a vacant spot in City Court. Previously, he worked as an assistant to Paul Clyne, Albany County district attorney. Carter will run in this November’s election for a full seven-year term.

Treece, a Troy native who was a former public defender and counsel to the state comptroller, was sworn in last September to become the first African- American elevated to the U.S. Northern District Court bench.

Also during the event, the prestigious Frederick Douglas Struggle for Justice award was granted to George King and David Kaczynski. The award recognizes those who exemplify courage, compassion, and commitment to social justice.

King, a trial lawyer, was chosen for his advocacy work to change parole policy in New York state. He contends that the current laws deny parole release to certain categories of prisoners who have served their minimum sentences and have shown signs of rehabilitation.

Kaczynski was recognized for his dedication and activism as the executive director of New Yorkers against the Death Penalty.

—N.G.

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