This name change to Midtown Community Justice Center reflects the institution's holistic and community-based approach to delivering justice to New Yorkers.
Media Contact: press@innovatingjustice.org
December 7, 2023
NEW YORK, NY — The Center for Justice Innovation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Midtown Community Court with a renaming to “Midtown Community Justice Center,” to more accurately describe the mission, services, and programs offered at the landmark institution. Established in 1993, the Midtown Community Court was one of the nation’s first problem-solving courts, dedicated to reducing crime and incarceration and increasing public trust in justice. Over the past 30 years, the scope of services has expanded from court-adjacent alternatives to street outreach for unhoused individuals and community engagement initiatives.
In its 30 years of service, Midtown Community Court has opened its doors for people in nearly 500,000 criminal court arraignments and summons appearances, with a successful record of reducing incarceration. And in the first two years of implementation of Midtown Community Justice Center’s landmark Community First program, the program engaged with nearly 650 unhoused individuals almost 2,000 times.
The renaming was announced at an anniversary event held at New World Stages featuring a panel discussion with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Spectrum News Political Anchor Errol Louis, Hester Street Senior Fellow and NYC Planning Commissioner Rasmia Kirmani, Blue Meridian Partners Managing Director Mindy Tarlow, Author and College and Community Fellowship Executive Director Marlon Peterson, and more, discussing the past, present, and future of public safety and justice in NYC. New York State Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and Judge John Zhuo Wang also delivered remarks at the anniversary celebration.
Center for Justice Innovation Executive Director Courtney Bryan said, "In 1993, many people dismissed the idea that a court could—or even should—work to solve the problems of people charged with crimes or improve the communities in which they live. But the Midtown Community Court showed it was possible, inspiring justice systems across the nation and beyond to offer alternatives to incarceration that restore communities, expand opportunity, and make people less likely to re-offend. For 30 years, the court has remained at the cutting edge, serving as an engine of new ideas and pushing the envelope of reform. The newly-renamed Midtown Community Justice Center is another major step in its evolution, reflecting its growth from primarily being a court to being a special place where staff also build safety and justice outside the courthouse and in the community. Ultimately, the name change reflects the core belief that healthy communities and lasting justice can only be achieved by investing in people, prevention, and restorative solutions."
Midtown Community Justice Center Program Director Danielle Mindess said, "The Midtown Community Court was established 30 years ago by a brave and forward-thinking coalition of problem solvers. The project has evolved over three decades to respond to the needs of the community and the moment, and to try new ideas as an innovation arm of the court. Our work has continued to move upstream and beyond the walls of our physical space through expanded diversion initiatives, street outreach, and community engagement. Heading into 2024, the name Midtown Community Justice Center best reflects the institution’s current operations and future aspirations. I’m thrilled and excited for what the next phase will bring."
Chief Judge Rowan Wilson said, "Since its establishment in 1993, the Midtown Community Court has never been just a court. It is a neighborhood fixture. It is a creative collaboration between the judiciary, defense agencies, the district attorney’s office, and social service providers. It is a lifeline for the New Yorkers it serves and for the communities from which they come. The innumerable services it provides enhance access to justice, and its new name, Midtown Community Justice Center, reflects both the role it has played in its community for the past thirty years and the role it will continue to play statewide in demonstrating what a more effective, more compassionate system of justice can look like."
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, "Over the past three decades, Manhattan has undergone a massive transformation in how we deliver justice, thanks to institutions like the Midtown Community Court. By piloting new programs and services that both reduce unnecessary incarceration while promoting accountability and safety, the Community Court has shown it has truly earned its new name as the Midtown Community Justice Center. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership and look forward to the next 30 years and beyond."
The Midtown Community Court opened in 1993 at a time when crime and incarceration rates were comparatively high. Over the past 30 years – and in no small part because of efforts like the Midtown Community Court and other programs run by the Center for Justice Innovation – New York has become a global leader in redefining public safety and creating more just, effective ways to respond to crime. From expanding alternatives to incarceration to investing in long-term community health, the past three decades have shown what true innovation for justice can look like.