Foreword to Conference Report: The New York City Housing Court In The 21st Century: Can It Better Address The Problems Before It?

The New York City Housing Court faces significant challenges in addressing housing disputes, particularly due to the high number of pro se litigants and the intersection of legal and social issues that contribute to homelessness. A 2004 conference brought together diverse stakeholders to examine these challenges and propose reforms, focusing on six key areas: pre-adjudication steps, the adjudicative process, the right to counsel, litigants of diminished capacity, preserving housing stock, and social services. The conference emphasized the need for systemic changes to improve access to justice and efficiency in the court.