[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E645-E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE LESLIE CROCKER SNYDER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of my 
colleagues to a remarkable woman, Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder. Judge 
Snyder currently sits on the New York Supreme Court where she presides 
over many high profile cases. This year, Judge Snyder will be the 
recipient of the National Police Defense Foundation's ``Woman of the 
Year'' Award. She is being awarded for her tremendous dedication to law 
enforcement and her success in both writing and interpreting important 
legislation.
  Ms. Snyder began her career as an assistant district attorney in New 
York County where she became the first woman to try felony cases and 
homicides. She went on to become the chief and founder of the first Sex 
Crimes Prosecution Bureau in the United States. She has also co-
authored a variety of legislation such as New York's Rape Shield Law, 
legislation concerning aggravated sexual abuse and other Penal Law Sex 
Crimes Reforms.
  After leaving the New York County's District Attorney's office, Judge 
Snyder served as the Chief of Trials at the Office of the Special 
Prosecutor against Corruption in the Criminal Justice System and also 
worked for several years in private practice where she primarily

[[Page E646]]

handled criminal trial work. Before being appointed to the New York 
Supreme Court she served as the Deputy Criminal Justice Coordinator and 
Head of the Arson Strike Force at the Office of the New York City 
Criminal Justice Coordinator.
  Since 1986 Ms. Snyder has held her position as a New York Supreme 
Court Judge, and in 2000 she was appointed to the Court of Claims. 
Judge Snyder presides mostly over the highest level, ``A-1'' multiple 
defendant narcotics felonies; drug gang/homicide cases; organized crime 
cases and ``white-collar'' criminal cases. She has presided over the 
trials of many of New York's most violent drug gangs and successfully 
defied death threats from major drug lords.
  Judge Snyder is the author of ``25 to Life'' and is a continuing 
lecturer to Bar associations and law enforcement groups concerning 
narcotics, sex crimes, homicides, criminal trials and women and the 
law. Judge Snyder also speaks to many school groups and has adopted two 
classes at a local public school. She makes numerous monthly visits to 
schools to observe court proceedings and conduct mock trials.
  Additionally, Judge Snyder has appeared on a range of television 
programs including: ``60 Minutes,'' ``The Today Show,'' and others. She 
has been featured on news, cable and Court TV programs regarding crime, 
drugs and drug gangs, rape, women and the law and law enforcement.
  Finally, Judge Snyder is the recipient of many awards including: The 
Radcliffe College Distinguished Alumnae Award, The Justice and 
Compassion Award, The Association of Legal and Medical Experts' 
Outstanding Contribution Award and the Retired Detectives of New York 
Award among numerous others.
  Judge Snyder is truly an outstanding woman and an integral part of 
both her community and the United States' legal system. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in honoring Judge Snyder for her countless 
achievements to date and her continuing devotion to this important line 
of work.

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