What is the Southern District of New York?
The Southern District of New York is one of the federal court districts in the United States, based in Manhattan. Its federal prosecutors work in the U.S. Attorney's Office for that district. It handles federal criminal and civil cases for the southern part of New York State.
Why it's in the news
A federal judge ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully fired Maurene Comey, a prosecutor in this district, and ordered her reinstated with back pay. The ruling has drawn attention to the office and the court.
- Maurene Comey — Judge rules Maurene Comey was unlawfully fired, orders her reinstated
Background
The Southern District of New York is a federal judicial district. Its court sits in Manhattan, and the district covers a large area of southeastern New York State. Federal cases from that area are heard there, including criminal prosecutions brought by the government and civil lawsuits. Each federal district has its own courts, and this one is well known.
Lawyers who practice there work under the court's own rules and procedures. Filings are made through the federal electronic case system, which is the same system most federal courts use. Questions about local rules, court filings, bankruptcy matters, or the courthouse itself are answered by the court's own offices, so readers looking for those details should check the official court website.
The district is in the news because a federal judge ruled that the Justice Department unlawfully fired Maurene Comey, a federal prosecutor who worked in the Southern District of New York. Judge Jesse Furman, in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, ordered that she be reinstated to her position with back pay. She had been involved in prosecutions of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and the Justice Department dismissed her in July 2025. The judge rejected the government's position that the attorney general could remove a prosecutor at will, and that a later attorney general, Todd Blanche, could ratify the firing after the fact. He wrote that he was bound to follow Supreme Court precedent unless that court changes it. Her lawyers called the decision a victory for civil servants. Her father, former FBI director James Comey, is separately facing a prosecution over an Instagram post that prosecutors say threatened President Trump's life; his lawyers want that case dismissed.
What people are asking
Where is the Southern District of New York court?
The court sits in Manhattan, in New York City. Its address and visiting information are listed on the official federal court website.
Who is Maurene Comey?
Maurene Comey is a former federal prosecutor who worked in the Southern District of New York. She was part of cases involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department dismissed her in July 2025.
What did the judge decide about Maurene Comey?
Judge Jesse Furman ruled that her firing was unlawful. He ordered that she be reinstated retroactively to her job and receive back pay. He rejected the government's arguments on presidential removal power.
Who is James Comey?
James Comey is a former FBI director and the father of Maurene Comey. He is currently facing a prosecution over an Instagram post that prosecutors say threatened President Trump's life. His lawyers want that case dismissed.
Sources
- CNBCTrump DOJ unlawfully fired Epstein prosecutor Maurene Comey, judge rules
- AP NewsJudge rules Maurene Comey, daughter of ex-FBI director, was unlawfully fired by Trump administration
- USA TodayTrump administration's firing of Maurene Comey was unlawful, judge rules
- KEYEJudge rules Trump's Justice Department unlawfully fired Maurene Comey
- The HillJudge rules James Comey’s daughter unlawfully fired as federal prosecutor
- CNNJudge: Maurene Comey was illegally fired from Justice Department