Lawsuit File Source: Unsplash America First Legal (AFL) filed a lawsuit against the Ethics Commission for the New York State Unified Court System
America First Legal (AFL) filed a lawsuit against the Ethics Commission for the New York State Unified Court System and Judge Juan Merchan for failing to release the judge’s financial disclosures from 2018 to 2024, as required by law.
New York law mandates that judges file annual financial disclosures, which must be made available for public inspection upon request. AFL initially requested these documents on June 6, 2024, but has yet to receive a response.
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After sending a demand letter to the Ethics Commission on August 30, 2024, warning of impending legal action if the disclosures were not provided, AFL is now following through by suing to obtain the records.
The intent behind these rules is clear: to allow the public and legal parties to identify potential conflicts of interest, bias, or prejudice in judicial proceedings.
Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal, issued a statement emphasizing the need for transparency.
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“The law unequivocally requires the release of judicial financial disclosures to the public. New York’s highest court has affirmed that such disclosures are essential for ensuring fairness in the courtroom. The public deserves to know whether Judge Merchan has complied with this requirement, particularly given his alleged involvement in unlawful campaign contributions and his impending sentencing of the former President of the United States. Fundamental fairness demands a resolution in favor of America First Legal’s suit,” Epstein said.
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