New York Court of Appeals building in Albany. Photo: Ryland West/ALM New York Court of Appeals building in Albany. Photo: Ryland West/ALM

Should the choice of the next chief judge of New York's highest court shift the court in a new direction? Or should the priority be a choice that buys the Court of Appeals "longterm legitimacy"?

Whatever needs are stressed, those who have a role in the selection of a new leader for the judicial branch seem to be poised to take the choice more seriously than ever, said one key court-watcher.