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Politics NY: Housing Court Judge Norma Jennings launches campaign for civil court judge in Brooklyn

Norma is originally from New Jersey. She holds a law degree from Columbia University. Norma lives in Brooklyn with her wife, Juliet.

Norma currently serves as a supervising judge on the Manhattan Housing Court. She previously worked as an associate court attorney and housing court judge.

Norma J. Jennings previously ran for civil court judge in 2023 but did not win.

As a supervising judge for the Housing Court, manages the court's day-to-day operations. Provides leadership and guidance to the other judges in the court, such as helping them handle cases consistently.

As an associate court attorney, conducted extensive legal research on various issues relevant to cases before the court. Analyzed statutes, regulations, case law, and legal precedents to provide well-reasoned legal opinions and recommendations to judges.

As a housing court judge, resolved disputes between landlords and tenants, including eviction proceeds and tenant-initiated cases.

- As a supervising judge for the Housing Court, manages the court's day-to-day operations. Provides leadership and guidance to the other judges in the court, such as helping them handle cases consistently.
- As an associate court attorney, conducted extensive legal research on various issues relevant to cases before the court. Analyzed statutes, regulations, case law, and legal precedents to provide well-reasoned legal opinions and recommendations to judges.
- As a housing court judge, resolved disputes between landlords and tenants, including eviction proceeds and tenant-initiated cases.

Legal Experience

Candidate website

Believes that "equality meets opportunity" and is committed to "fairness, integrity, and justice for all."

Says she is committed to "fairness, integrity, and justice for all."

Wants to ensure that "every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to be heard and treated with dignity in the legal system."

- Says she is committed to "fairness, integrity, and justice for all."
- Wants to ensure that "every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to be heard and treated with dignity in the legal system."

Judicial Philosophy

As of September 24, 2024, Norma J. Jennings’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Believes in the transformative power of grassroots action, as demonstrated by her involvement in community-driven endeavors like the 2024 Day of Service Clothes Drive.

Has been involved in community-driven service, including clothing and toy drives.

- Has been involved in community-driven service, including clothing and toy drives.

Community Involvement

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Norma J. Jennings

Believes in approaching complex legal issues with "precision and compassion."

Believes in a legal career marked by "fairness, equality, and justice for all."

As a law student at Columbia University, focused on community service and social justice advocacy.

Believes in embodying integrity, fairness, and compassion in the legal arena, drawing upon her mother's legacy of love and strength.

Believes in protecting citizens' rights and ensuring cases are adjudicated with professionalism and compassion.

Believes her rulings demonstrate a "keen understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by Kings County's diverse communities."

Believes in advocating for "fairness and equality" in civil court.

Believes in upholding justice and equity.

Believes in upholding "the principles of equality and opportunity in every aspect of her work."

Believes in the principles of perseverance and resilience in her judicial philosophy.

Believes in delivering equitable outcomes in Housing Court, ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to be heard and treated with dignity in the legal system.

Believes her experience as a Housing Court Judge is "transformative" for judicial administration.

Believes in an "unwavering dedication to serving the community" through her judicial career.

Believes in a strong commitment to social justice and advocacy, saying, "These experiences fueled my commitment to social justice and advocacy."

Supports community involvement through collaborative efforts like toy drives, demonstrating a commitment to fostering joy and equity in Brooklyn.

Supports community involvement through local engagement, as seen in her participation at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket.

Believes community service is essential to her candidacy for Civil Court Judge.

Believes in the "transformative power of grassroots action" and plans to bring this belief to the Civil Court bench.

Believes in a judiciary grounded in empathy, integrity, and community service, with a track record of grassroots activism and collaborative leadership.

Believes in maintaining a deep-seated connection to the community through active involvement in local events, such as the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket.

Believes in community involvement through initiatives that advocate for social justice and unite diverse stakeholders, demonstrating her suitability for civil court judgeship.

As of September 26, 2024, Norma J. Jennings’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Norma J. Jennings is a Supervising Judge in Manhattan Housing Court and has previously worked as an Associate Court Attorney and an Attorney with the Legal Aid Society, Civil Division.

- The New York Civil Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000 and other civil matters referred to it by the Supreme Court.
- It includes a small claims part for informal dispositions of matters not exceeding $10,000 and a housing part for landlord-tenant matters and housing code violations.
- There are 120 judges elected to the Civil Court, but only about 50 sit in it. The remaining judges sit in other courts, such as the Criminal Court or Family Court.
- Judges are elected to 10-year terms in partisan elections.
- They are paid a salary of $216,400.