New York Chief Judge Rowan Wilson Calls for Leniency on Serious Criminals

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Rowan Wilson, the Chief Judge of New York's Court of Appeals and head of the state's judicial branch, has delivered a speech at CUNY Law School calling the judicial system "stupid" for sending murderers and rapists to long prison terms. Wilson endorsed the proposed "Second Look Act" that would give inmates serving long sentences another chance at early release, and urged voters to avoid electing judges who impose tough sentences. Republican legislators have filed an ethics complaint, arguing Wilson's comments violate judicial conduct rules against inappropriate political activity.

Why it matters

As the top judge in New York, Wilson's comments undermine public trust in the impartiality of the courts and raise concerns that the state's judicial system is being politicized to favor leniency for serious criminals over the rights and safety of victims and the general public.

The details

In his speech, Wilson described the judicial system he oversees as "stupid" for sending murderers and rapists to prison for long terms. He endorsed the "Second Look Act" that would allow inmates serving long sentences another chance at early release, arguing that criminals "have come to be a very different person." Wilson also urged voters to avoid electing judges who impose tough sentences, saying "You can find out who those people are... don't vote for them and get other people not to vote for them."

• Wilson delivered the speech at the CUNY School of Law on March 12, 2026.
• Republican legislators filed an ethics complaint with the judicial conduct commission shortly after Wilson's comments were made public.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judicial conduct commission will review the ethics complaint filed by Republican legislators against Chief Judge Wilson. If found to have violated judicial conduct rules, Wilson could face disciplinary action.