DELIVERING ECONOMIC JUSTICE
THROUGH THE SURROGATE’S COURT
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J 10 UNE 11-17, 2021 BTR
OP-ED
BY JUDGE DWEYNIE ESTHER PAUL
In the 21st century, the American Dream remains
elusive for people of color, immigrants,
and low-income families, because of the systemic
racism that has been prevalent in the history of
our society - particularly within the justice system.
Equal protection under the law begins with
representation on the bench that refl ects the communities
we serve, ensuring that our decisions
are fair in every case over which we preside.
Fighting for justice is at the core of my essence,
instilled by my late mother, who never
allowed the adversities that she encountered to
dictate her potential in life. My mother, an orphan
in Haiti at the age of 8 and formally educated
at 13, migrated to Brooklyn very poor but
rich in hope, faith, determination, and a spirit to
work hard. Although she was a deeply spiritual
woman, I do not know if she knew that her daughter
would have an opportunity to go to school in
America, and graduate from George Washington
University Law School. These accomplishments,
along with my election as Civil Court Judge in
the State of New York, was beyond what she could
have ever imagined.
My journey to the bench started when I was
nine years old, coping with the tragic death of
my 12-year-old brother while on a youth trip
that resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit in Supreme
Court. My parents tried to navigate Family
Court simultaneously to determine the best
way to raise me. I watched my parents struggle to
fi nd justice for my brother, and I quickly learned
what it meant to have a voice in the courtroom, a
lawyer to fi ght for my rights. I saw how important
it was for the judge to understand my life experiences
to make the right decision for me, my family,
and the community.
I am passionate about the Surrogate’s Court
because I intimately know what it means for one
generation to start from humble beginnings and
work hard to give the next generation a head
start in life. I share the same story as many others;
with strong values and love for community,
my parents realized the American Dream. They
wanted to ensure I had my fair share in life measured
by my character and will to work. Parents
envision that their children would realize
the fruits of their labor. It is the same dream of
sharecroppers, immigrants, and generations of
families who built this country.
Families must feel empowered to preserve
wealth passed down from one generation to the
next. The Surrogate’s Court is a refuge for orphans
and widows, a place for persons with mental
disabilities and minors to receive guardians
and families united through adoptions. The Surrogate’s
Court was an integral part of protecting
the legacy that I would inherit.
Economic justice can be within reach for
Brooklyn residents, who were among the hardest
hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and need
a pathway towards a secure future through the
Surrogate’s Court. Last year was unimaginable
and compounded by unprecedented losses, but
we are making a comeback. However, many families
whose loved ones passed without a will or
estate planning remain at risk of being preyed
on because their identity and assets are public
information in the Surrogate’s Court. Historically,
communities of color and vulnerable populations
have sought support through the court
only to experience economic loss amid their own
emotional grief. We cannot continue to follow the
same practices that have perpetuated and further
exacerbated the racial wealth gap.
I am more than capable and ready to serve as
Brooklyn’s next Surrogate Court Judge because
I have the experience. During my four-year tenure
as Acting Supreme Court Justice in Family
Court, I met families when they were in their
most vulnerable state. I protected intimate partners,
elders, and children against abuse and domestic
violence; while strengthening families
through guardianships and adoptions. I also appointed
and monitored attorneys to ensure that
they were working in the best interest of the families
that I assigned to them.
In this era of reform, Brooklyn deserves a
Surrogate’s Court Judge with the integrity to
fi ght corruption, compassion to understand the
issues, and fairness to ensure equal justice. We
need more women and people of color on the
bench who understand the day-to-day challenges
families face to earn a livable wage and escape
poverty.
Early voting begins on June 12, and Primary
Day is on June 22; I hope I can count on your support
to become the People’s Surrogate and put
families fi rst – always.