In the last half-century, during which judges of the New York Court of Appeals have been appointed by the governor rather than elected, Acting Chief Judge Anthony Cannataro is the only candidate that served a seven-month apprenticeship in that position, establishing his qualifications for a full-term appointment.
Under his leadership, the court has become a more collegial workplace with the judges reaching a consensus in far more cases than in the recent past. There have been only four dissents in 17 decided appeals (23.5%, a welcome change).
