Q&A
Values and principles expected of the Corporation Counsel
1:02:33
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158 sec
Council Member Adams outlines the values and principles expected of the Corporation Counsel, emphasizing the need to serve all residents and consider the public interest.
- The Corporation Counsel must respect principles of democratic self-government and the rule of law
- They should articulate a decision's impact on the rights and interests of all residents, including those who lack access to decision-makers
- The Corporation Counsel must advise on shared public values, even when they conflict with existing law or short-term interests of those in power
Adrienne E. Adams
1:02:33
Alright.
1:02:34
In in looking at the values of the corporation council, The corporation counsel is not only an attorney, but also a government official.
1:02:44
Together, these duties require the person in this position to appropriately consider and respect the principles of democratic self government and the rule of law.
1:02:53
City government must serve all residents whether or not they voted for us or those who employ us or whether or not they can vote at all.
1:03:04
Government decisions have many implications and can affect the rights of people who lack access to decision makers.
1:03:11
It is often a public servant and government lawyer's role to fairly articulate a decisions impact on those rights and interests.
1:03:20
The corporation counsel must counsel not just to the letter of the law, but also on shared public values.
1:03:29
While these values ultimately serve the long term interest of the public and society, They may also conflict with existing law or the short term interests of those in power.
1:03:42
It is the corporation counsel as the chief legal officer for the city who can advise policymakers on the interests of groups not represented by majority or powerful political forces.
1:03:56
Fritz Schwartz, former corporation counsel under Mayor Koch, and a respected architect of the current city charter stated that, quote, the interests of the city must be the touchstone.
1:04:11
End quote, implicit within the interests of the city, fundamentally, the public interest is the administration of justice.
1:04:20
It is incumbent upon the corporation council to consider advocate, and advise on the advancement of varying varying concepts of justice for the public interest.
1:04:32
This council believes in an inherent and unique interest to govern impartially and see that justice shall be done.
1:04:43
What about your professional history would give this counsel confidence?
1:04:47
And you notice my line of questioning so far continues to say the same thing.
1:04:53
It has to do with trust in you.
1:04:55
And the council.
1:04:57
The council putting its trust in you.
1:05:00
What about your professional history would give this count?
1:05:02
So confidence that you would put the best interest of the city and the administration of justice before the interest of the mayor.