Gerald J. Whalen

May 01, 2024 | New York Law Journal

Regardless of their judicial philosophy, judges want very much to reach a just result in each case. In this way, we endeavor to fulfill our obligation to work toward the most equitable interpretation of the law, and to allow the voices of democracy to be fairly heard.

By Gerald J. Whalen

4 minute read

May 01, 2023 | New York Law Journal

More than 275 years ago, a young George Washington put pen to paper to copy down 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior. Found in a copy book, the original source of these rules remains unsettled, although scholars note the similarity with a French Jesuit work on etiquette for young men originally published in the 16th century.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

January 17, 2023 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes: When we find the right words, we invite more reasoned, but no less passionate, advocacy from our colleagues in the bar. When we find the right words, the decisions we render transcend utilitarian determinations and become beacons.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

4 minute read

April 28, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes: The winds of change that buffet our country today are surely as strong as those that blow off Lake Erie, and it is inspiring to see that these beloved structures, Buffalo City Hall and the Constitution, continue to stand.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

January 14, 2022 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes: Whether a case will be written up in the news, remembered by the public, or quoted in future opinions, it is always the most important case to the parties involved, and is therefore deserving of equal vigor, attention, and deliberation from the courts.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

April 30, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes that while technological advances will continue to assist judges in the performance of their duties in a digital world, sentencing and the judicial system generally will always remain analog at its heart.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

January 15, 2021 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, writes that the challenges posed by the pandemic have been substantial, but court staff have stepped up to provide light and hope to those experiencing hopelessness and despair.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

April 30, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, describes his recent jury service as a springboard to a discussion of how voting, like jury service, is also a fundamental necessity of our society as well as an avenue for individual voices to be heard.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read

January 24, 2020 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, focuses on the benefits court consolidation could have for upstate communities, both at the trial and appellate court levels.

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

6 minute read

April 30, 2019 | New York Law Journal

Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department

By Gerald J. Whalen, Presiding Justice, Appellate Division, Fourth Department

5 minute read