Martin, right, takes the oath, administered by
Justice Jonah Triebwasser
POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County’s newest Family Court Judge,
Jeffrey Martin, took his ceremonial oath of office on Thursday night in
Poughkeepsie. Martin is an experienced member of the judiciary having
served as Red Hook town justice since 2007.
When Judge Joan Posner’s retirement from family court was announced, Martin ran for the spot as a Democrat against Republican Karen Hagstrom.
Martin’s 10-year-old son said of the race “we’re here tonight so we must have done something right.”
Judge Martin, a 1985 graduate of Vermont Law School, is an experienced civil litigator who said that he plans to “bring compassion and dedication” to his new courtroom.
“My goal is to bring with me my experience in family court for many years and to ensure that we bring compassion and dedication and preserve the dignity of all those people who come to family court,” he said.
Retired Judge David Steinberg was one of many judges on hand to speak saying that “Judge Joan Posner has left a remarkable and lasting legacy on the court” and he also read a letter from Posner who was out of state visiting family. She wrote to Martin that “I’m confident that the families of Dutchess County will be well-served by your presence on the bench.”
Supreme Court Justice Christi Acker added that “family court cases
take a “special kind of vigilance” and Martin is poised to serve
with dignity.
Steinberg also referenced Jackie Robinson in honor of Martin’s love of baseball. Steinberg told of the writing on Robinson’s tombstone that says “A life is not important, except for the impact it has on others,” which sums up the importance of family court judges.
Kelley Enderley, a Poughkeepsie-based attorney, who has occasionally been in cases against Martin, credited the high level of integrity and patience that he brings to the courtroom.
Judge Martin spent a considerable amount of time thanking family, friends, colleagues and supporters that gathered for the celebration. Red Hook Town Justice Jonah Triebwasser administered the oath of office to Martin, as Martin’s wife, Michelle, held the bible. Vowing to do the best he can, the father of five said that he plans to continue to “look for the good amidst the pain” that is associated with many family court cases when he takes the bench on January 2.
