Introduction.

• Author: Bonventre, Vincent Martin
• Position: SYMPOSIUM: JUDGES ON JUDGES: THE NEW YORK STATE COURT OF APPEALS JUDGES' OWN FAVORITES IN COURT HISTORY

Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke was a giant of a man with a common touch. He was a giant who was always humble and warm, gentle and kind. He was a giant who helped ensure that, while the United States Supreme Court changed directions and its role, the New York Court of Appeals would continue to be an independent force and a national leader in safeguarding our rights and liberties.

Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke, from the Albany Law School Class of 1938, helped found State Constitutional Commentary. In fact, he served as our Honorary Chair for the last several years of his life. Henceforth, this annual symposium will be named after him.

We will hear more about him in a few minutes.

I'd like to point out that members of Chief Judge Cooke's family are here today. Several generations, in fact, from his children, grandchild, and even a great grandson, as well as other family members. If I could get you to stand and take an applause. (Applause). Thank you.

This is a very special event. I mean with every single Judge on the Court of Appeals, and each one of them about to speak to us about her or his favorite Judge in the Court's past.

I must point out, however, that seated here up front is everybody's favorite judge. That is Presiding Justice Anthony Cardona of the Appellate Division, Third Department.

Also here are other members of that glorious Third Department, and other members of the judiciary whose chambers are here in the Albany area. We welcome all of you.

Those of us who had the opportunity to work at the New York Court of Appeals have seen firsthand some great Judges. Those of us who are close observers of the Court, and on rare occasions may even criticize the Court, nevertheless understand full well what a great institution this is. How could it be otherwise when one considers the Judges who have served on this Court?

When I think of the Judges, even if only those that were at the Court while I served as a law clerk, it's an extraordinary cast of characters.

Matthew J. Jasen, from Buffalo. Incomparable wisdom and courage. A man willing to stand alone. But most important, from the perspective of one who clerked for him, a man who treated his law clerks as family, as his own children. You will hear more about Judge Jasen later.

I would like to point out that his daughter Carol is here. Thank you for coming, Carol. (Applause).

The second Judge I clerked for at the Court--I couldn't get another job, so I kept taking these clerkships--Stewart...