William J. Watson at a glance
- Current role
- City Court Judge
- Court
- Niagara County City Court
- Jurisdiction
- New York · State
- Judicial service
- January 1, 2026–present
William J. Watson
City Court Judge · Niagara County City Court
Available research
Biography
Judicial service
- Acting Judge, Niagara County Court, Appointed, 2014 to Present
- Judge, City Court, Lockport, Elected, 2000 to Present
Education
- Albany School of Law · J.D., 1993
- State University of New York at Buffalo · B.A., 1990
Courtroom rules and guidance
Recording And Photography
New York statewide rules require permission before photographing, filming, videotaping, audiotaping, broadcasting, or telecasting in court facilities, including courtrooms.
Taking photographs, films or videotapes, or audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting, in a courthouse including any courtroom, office or hallway thereof, at any time or on any occasion, whether or not the court is in session, is forbidden, unless permission of the Chief Administrator of the Courts or a designee of the Chief Administrator is first obtainedPart 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings ↗
Evidence Presentation Control
The official Guide to New York Evidence identifies court control over presentation of evidence as a statewide evidence topic; counsel should expect the assigned judge to control the mode and order of proof.
1.07. COURT CONTROL OVER PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCEGuide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role ↗
Electronic Appearances
For New York criminal proceedings, virtual and hybrid appearances are governed by Part 200 consent, objection, public-access, and calendar-update requirements.
For all hybrid proceedings, all electronic appearances shall be projected in the physical courtroom in which the in-person portion of the proceeding is taking place in such a manner as to provide a reasonable opportunity for members of the public to view and hear the participants appearing electronically.Part 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction ↗
Justice Court Civil Procedure
New York Part 214 applies statewide to civil actions and proceedings in Town, Village, and City Justice Courts outside New York City; each court establishes and posts its regular sessions, subject to modification by the Chief Administrator.
This Part shall be applicable to all actions and proceedings in the Town, Village and City Justice Courts of the State of New York, outside the City of New York.Part 214: Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts ↗
Sources
New York State Unified Court System Judicial Directory official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/judicialdirectory/Bio?judge_id=tX0_PLUS_4dRVzY0XgIml1FMNpw%3D%3DPart 29: Electronic Recording and Audio-Visual Coverage in Court Facilities and of Court Proceedings
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-29-electronic-recording-and-audio-visual-coverage-court-facilities-and-court-proceedings?from_node=15921&topic=386&wrapped=trueGuide to New York Evidence: Article 1, General Provisions and Court's Role
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.nycourts.gov/judges/evidence/1-GENERAL/1-generalprovisions.shtmlPart 200: Uniform Rules for Courts Exercising Criminal Jurisdiction
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-200-uniform-rules-courts-exercising-criminal-jurisdictionPart 214: Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 27, 2026
https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/part-214-uniform-civil-rules-justice-courts