LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the life and illustrious career of
The Honorable Jerome W. Marks, retired Justice of the New York State
Supreme Court and former member of the New York State Assembly

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the passing of
prominent citizens of the State of New York whose purposeful careers and
worthy endeavors have contributed to the quality and character of life
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Judge Jerome W. Marks, a respected retired New York State
Supreme Court judge, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at the age
of 95; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Jerry, he was born in New York City
on June 22, 1915; and
WHEREAS, Judge Marks attended St. John's University and Brooklyn Law
School, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a Master
of Laws (LL.M.) degree, an accomplishment achieved by relatively few
attorneys; and
WHEREAS, Judge Marks was admitted to the New York State bar in 1940,
in the Appellate Division, First Department, and was subsequently admit-
ted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern
District of New York; from 1940-1942, he conducted a general practice of
law at 60 Wall Street in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Judge Marks enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1942
and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1944; he served in the
United States and in North Africa during World War II and was honorably
discharged in May 1946, as a First Lieutenant; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge in 1946, until he was elected a New York
City Civil Court Judge in 1968, Judge Marks was a member of the firm of
Mintz & Marks, Esqs., engaged in the general practice of law, including
corporate, real estate, commercial, theatrical, and criminal matters;
and
WHEREAS, Judge Marks served as a Member of the New York State Assembly
for six years, beginning in January of 1963; while in the Assembly, he
was the Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Consumer Affairs
and sponsored the first $1.50 minimum wage bill, which ultimately became
the law of our nation effective January 1, 1967, and resulted in wage
increases for more than 750,000 workers in the State of New York alone;
and
WHEREAS, Judge Marks began his career on the bench as a New York City
Civil Court Judge and went on to become a Supreme Court Justice of the
State of New York, serving in this capacity from 1975 through 1991; and
WHEREAS, His career in the field of law was long and distinguished and
continued into his retirement years; during this time, Judge Marks
served as a guest commentator on Court TV, and made regular visits as a
volunteer lecturer in New York City high schools, at Rikers Island, and
at other correctional facilities; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, devoting his life to changing New York State's
draconian drug laws, Judge Marks was instrumental in obtaining clemency
for three victims of these excessive sentences; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his daughter, Lorna, Judge Jerome W. Marks is
survived by his loving wife, Julie; his daughter, Gail; and two sons-in-
law, Neil and Joseph; as well as three grandchildren, Kyle, Kane and
Casey; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Judge Jerome W. Marks
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as a remarkable and humane jurist, Judge Jerome W.
Marks genuinely cared about what was right and moral; his legacy extends
far beyond his accomplishments as a successful judge; his integrity,
unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of himself will
long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to service in their
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the life and illustrious career of The Honorable Jerome W.
Marks, retired Justice of the New York State Supreme Court and former
member of the New York State Assembly; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of The Honorable Jerome W. Marks.