Do we trust in God in a New York State Court?

Here is a picture obtained from the Facebook page of Nancy Stroud, the Facebook friend of Albany County Family Court judge Susan Kushner (see my blog about Nancy Stroud's and Sue Kushner's unethical behavior in appearing in the same case without disclosure of their Facebook friendship, and when Sue Kushner actually denied that FB friendship, even though it was documented).

Apart from other interesting details which I will discuss in a separate blog post, what jumps into view immediately is the huge inscription on the wall of the State Court of the State of New York:  "In God We Trust".

That statement indicates that the judiciary in the State of New York operates by religious laws and not by the secular laws of the United States and the State of New York, nor by the state and federal Constitutions which all judges are sworn to protect and uphold, as a pre-requisite of taking that bench and donning those black robes.

I guess, it does not matter to the New York State Judiciary that promoting a religion in state court is a violation of the 1st Amendment of the litigants and their attorneys.

What if "we" do not trust in a God, in the particular God, or if we trust in Gods, or if "we" are pagans, or witches (wiccans - there is such a religion) - or, God forbid (no pun intended) if "we" are agnostics or atheists?

Then, we do not have a right to be heard in court?

I bet!

I know, for example, that a prosecutor from Delaware County District Attorney's office, John Hubbard, was spreading rumors about me that I am nuts and should not be hired as an attorney because I advocated for two clients who objected to being summoned, under the power of the People of the State of New York (and the threat of criminal contempt of court) to have a court deposition in a church building.

So, remember - when you are going to a State Court in the State of New York, you'd better trust in God - or else.

And, since the picture includes the radiant Judge Elizabeth Garry of the NYS Appellate Division 3rd Department, the rule "In God We Trust" in state courts of the State of New York also applies to appeals.

So, for those of us who do not trust in God - God help us?

I have a better suggestion - just advocate for removal of the "In God We Trust" signs in State Courts of any state.  Presenting those statements at all, and especially above the bench, above the U.S. flag and above the State seal is unconstitutional, unlawful and sends the message to the litigants and attorneys (albeit likely a correct message) that the judiciary in the United States is not governed by the law and is not enforcing the rule of law in the courtrooms, but whatever interpretation of God's (and the judge's own) will that the particular judge wants to impose on the people.