Advocacy Group Urges Removal of New York Judge for 'Vindictive' Behavior

The Center for Community Alternatives says Judge Ralph Fabrizio has a history of "volatile, vindictive and erratic" conduct on the bench.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An advocacy group in New York is calling for the removal of Judge Ralph Fabrizio, alleging he has exhibited "frequently volatile, vindictive and erratic" behavior during his 25-year tenure on the bench. The Center for Community Alternatives has sent letters to the city's mayor and the state's governor, urging them to deny Fabrizio's reappointment or potential nomination to the state Supreme Court.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about judicial accountability and the need for a fair and impartial judiciary that upholds the rule of law. As a long-serving judge, Fabrizio's alleged conduct raises questions about the oversight and disciplinary processes for elected officials in positions of significant power and authority.

The details

According to the advocacy group, Fabrizio has faced more than a dozen complaints from prosecutors and defense attorneys alleging "threats, berating, and derogatory treatment" on the bench. The group also cited instances where Fabrizio reversed himself multiple times in a case, including vacating a wrongful conviction and then reinstating it, only to later vacate the decision again after media scrutiny.

  • Fabrizio was first appointed to the New York City Criminal Court in 2001 by Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
  • He was reappointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2008 and Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2018.
  • Fabrizio's current term is set to expire this year, and he will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in June.

The players

Ralph Fabrizio

A judge serving on the Bronx County Supreme Court in New York, who has been accused of "volatile, vindictive and erratic" behavior on the bench during his 25-year tenure.

Center for Community Alternatives

A New York-based advocacy group that has sent letters to the city's mayor and the state's governor, urging them to deny Fabrizio's reappointment or potential nomination to the state Supreme Court.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The appellate record, court transcripts, press coverage, and accounts from attorneys who have appeared before Judge Fabrizio demonstrate that he is frequently volatile, vindictive, and erratic on the bench, in egregious violation of New York's rules of judicial conduct.”

— Center for Community Alternatives

“In recent years, we have urged all officials with judicial appointment power to take advantage of the great wealth of information that judges' records provide and only reappoint judges whose records demonstrate sound judgment, exceptional integrity, and steadfast commitment to fairness and equal justice for all.”

— Center for Community Alternatives

What’s next

The mayor and governor will decide whether to reappoint or nominate Judge Fabrizio to the state Supreme Court before his current term expires and he reaches the mandatory retirement age.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of judicial accountability and the need for a fair and impartial judiciary that upholds the rule of law. The allegations against Judge Fabrizio raise concerns about the oversight and disciplinary processes for elected officials in positions of significant power and authority.