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  • Supreme Court of New Jersey,   Image Preview Supreme Court     Supreme Court 2025 Top row, L to R: Michael Noriega, Rachel Wainer Apter; Douglas M. Fasciale, John Jay Hoffman Bottom row, L to R: Anne M. Patterson, Stuart Rabner, Fabiana Pierre-Louis, Overview, The New Jersey Supreme Court is the state’s highest appellate court.  Supreme Court decisions and oral arguments help lay the foundation for interpreting and applying state laws. The chief justice and six associate justices compose the Supreme Court.  They are responsible for reviewing cases from the lower courts.  The Chief Justice also serves as the administrative head of the court system. This role includes overseeing management of the state’s lower courts. Most litigants must request that the Court hear their appeal. They need to file a petition for certification with the Court. The Supreme Court mostly reviews cases with significant importance to public, the interpretation of a law, and when there are conflicting Appellate Division decisions. In very limited circumstances, such as where a judge in the Appellate Division files a dissenting opinion, a party may appeal as of right to the Supreme Court. In deciding the cases that come before it, the Court interprets: The New Jersey and the United States Constitution. New Jersey statutes. Administrative regulations of the state’s governmental agencies. The body of common law. Guideline 4 of the Guidelines for the Operation of Plea Agreements in the Municipal Courts. Guideline 4 of the Guidelines for the Operation of Plea Agreements in the Municipal Courts. Litigants A Guide to Filing for Litigants without Lawyers, seeking appeals, to the Supreme Court can visit the Appeals, Self-Help section, for the appropriate forms and procedures. Read the Court’s Supreme Court Opinions written opinions . Chief Justice Stuart Rabner’s Chief Justice Stuart Rabner’s State of the Judiciary address to the New Jersey State Bar Association, May 16, 2025 State of the Judiciary address to the New Jersey State Bar Association, May 16, 2025. HeatherJoy Baker, Clerk of Supreme Court 609-815-2955, Address for regular mail:, Supreme Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 970 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0970, Address for messenger service:, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Access forms for Supreme Court proceedings:  CN Title 10538 A Guide to Filing for Litigants without Lawyers 11641 Supreme Court Emergent Matter Intake 11644 Supreme Court Guidelines for Emergent Matters 12243 A Visitor's Guide to the Supreme Court - brochure 12266 Supreme Court Guidelines on Electronic Devices in the Courtroom 12573 New Jersey Supreme Court Virtual Museum - Postcard 12618 Order Restricting Use of Electronic Devices in the Courtroom 11712 Designation of Clerk as Agent for Service of Process 10950 Designation of Clerk for Service of Process - Multi-Jurisdictional Practice 12248 Bench Guide for Addressing Gender Bias in the Courts
  • eCourts Appellate, Attorneys in good standing can use the eCourts Appellate system to file their cases. On This Page Body, Attorney Login, Attorney Login Payment can be made with an Judiciary Account Charge System (JACS) attorney JACS account or with a credit card. The system is available around the clock, but credit card payments cannot be accepted from 11:30 p.m. to midnight. Documents are filed on the same day they are received, unless they are filed after 11:59 p.m. In those cases, the documents will be filed on the following business day. Note: Credit card service is unavailable from 11:30 p.m. until midnight each day. Filings must be submitted prior to 11:30 p.m. to receive the same date of filing.  Do not use eCourts to file documents intended for the Court's Eyes Only., Contact Information, For technical support, call   609-815-2950 ext. 52590 or email  appellateT7.mailbox@njcourts.gov . Assistance is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For pretrial detention appeal procedural assistance, call 609-815-2950 ext. 52580 or email appellatepda.mailbox@njcourts.gov . Assistance is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For Emergent matters, contact the , Appellate, Division emergent clerks between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 609-815-2950 and when prompted, press 1. Refer to the  Application for Permission to File Emergent Motion with Instructions emergent application guidelines ;for emergent matters, Online Tools and Resources, There are several resources available to help you file your appeal. The  Build-a-Brief Creator (dynamic PDF - right click link, select Save As Link…, then open the downloaded file in Reader) Build-a-Brief Creator  is available for attorneys and self-represented litigants for assistance in creating a letter brief. For reference, see the Build-a-Brief Sample (Letter Brief Sample) Letter Brief Sample or Appellate Formal Brief Sample Formal Brief Sample . Review the Appellate Division Checklist for Brief (PDF) Appellate Division Checklist for Preparation of Brief .   Use the Civil Appeals Manual , Criminal Appeals Manual or the State Agency Appeals Filing Tips  for filing assistance with eCourts Appellate. Use the eCourts Appellate eFiling Checklist eCourts Appellate eFiling Checklist to ensure all steps have been completed.  The following are notices to bar regarding the Appellate tag - Notices to the Bar appellate court and Ecourts Appellate - Notices to the Bar tag eCourts Appellate ., Fees, Appellate Court Filing, Filling, Fees, Notice of Appeal/Cross Appeal  $250 Motion for Leave to Appeal (MLA) $50 Post Judgment Motion $50 **No fees will be charged for users filing as Indigents (subject to review and approval by the courts). Fees will be charged once case is reviewed and accepted by the court.    Credit Card Service Fees, Filing Fee, Service Fee, $50 $1.50 $250 $7.50 Transcript Delivery Fees, Delivery Type, Original per page, Copy per page , Standard (30 Days)  $5.73 $0.95 Expedited (7-10 Days)  $8.60 $1.43  Daily (Overnight)   $11.46 $1.90 , Tips, . Keep these things in mind when using eCourts: Make sure your email account accepts emails from eCourts so that court notices are not blocked or filtered into a spam folder. You must maintain the accuracy of your firm information. Firm information is updated under the Attorney Registration and Payment section of the portal home page. Email addresses for eFiling notification can be added in eCourts Appellate. You must maintain the security of your account. Change your Password password immediately if a co-worker who shares your login leaves the firm. Follow the standard paper process for serving individuals within the case that have not entered a confirmed eCourts email address or for self-represented litigants, as they cannot be served electronically. Sign documents electronically using this format: s/[Firstname Lastname], Pretrial Detention Appeals, Consult the following resources if you are appealing pretrial detention: Follow these instructions to start the appeal process. You must file a  Pretrial Detention Appeal (PDA) – Expedited Information Form Pretrial Detention Appeal Expedited Information Form with your Notice of Appeal. Follow these instructions for completing the form and Instructions to Upload PDA Expedited Information form template these instructions for submitting the form . Prosecutors should use the Pretrial Detention Appeal (PDA) – State’s Response State’s Response Form when responding to the appeal. , Frequently Asked Questions, Are there public sites available for eCourts Appellate?, On-Site Access, is available in the courthouses at designated locations. Check with the Courthouse Ombudsman. Access to confidential, sealed, or restricted documents maintained in the case management system are not viewable. How do I prove that my document was filed in eCourts Appellate? Informally, you can produce the email from eCourts Appellate which will state the name of the documents that were filed and the date and time of the filing. You may also download the filed-stamped copy of the endorsement page through eCourts Appellate or purchase a copy from the Clerk’s Office. Will I be able to find the Criminal P2E case documents in the eCourts case jacket? No. Documents filed by any party or the court in a criminal P2E case will not appear in the eCourts (trial) case jacket. Can I eFile more than one document in the same case at one time? Yes. Except in the case of a substitution of attorney outside of your firm as that will have to be accepted by the Clerk's office before you will have access to the electronic file. Is the Appellate eCourts system secure? The Judiciary does regular scans on its electronic systems to ensure security of the information stored therein. Additionally, access to the single sign on portal requires two factor authentication. Are the electronic documents considered the court record? Yes. The filed stamped documents stored on the system are the court record. How do I add/edit attorneys, designated or co-counsel in eCourts Appellate? From My Case List click the Edit button next to the appropriate case. Select "I am adding/editing attorneys, designated or co-counsel information in the current case" option from the Edit Case popup. On the Update Party page, click the + sign, search for attorney and select attorney role. Upload supporting documentation on the List of Documents page if required. Supporting documentation is not required if the substitution is within the same firm. Submit filing. The change will be effective after it has been accepted by the Clerk's office. If the added counsel is within the same firm, the change will be effective immediately, after , it has been submitted in eCourts Appellate. How do I file a document electronically in eCourts Appellate? Manuals with filing instructions are available on the eCourts Appellate webpage and on the Welcome page once you are logged in to eCourts Appellate. When is my document considered filed in eCourts Appellate? If your document is accepted by the Clerk’s Office, it will be filed as of the date it was received. What date will the court use as the filing date for a new P2E case or documents submitted by the self-represented litigant? The filing date will be the date the documents were received by the Clerk's Office. What are my User ID and Password for eCourts Appellate? The New Jersey Judiciary uses a single sign on process for most of its applications. For attorneys, this is their Attorney Bar ID and password. This is the same login information used to complete the Annual Registration. I cannot submit or upload my document to eCourts Appellate. Where do I get help? Most often you will receive an error message explaining why you cannot file your document over the internet. If instructions are provided, follow them. If it does not correct the problem, please contact the Appellate eCourts team at  609-815-2950 ext. 52590 or  appellateT7.mailbox@njcourts.gov Whom do I contact if I am having problems with eCourts Appellate? For technical assistance with the eCourts Appellate system, contact the eCourts Appellate team at   609-815-2950 ext. 52590 or   appellateT7.mailbox@njcourts.gov .  For assistance logging into the Judiciary's Single Sign On portal with your Attorney Bar ID and password, contact the  , Help Desk,    1-800-343-7002 . What if I uploaded or submitted the wrong document in eCourts Appellate? Once a document has been submitted it becomes a part of the record. A motion is required to remove a document once it is electronically received.  Filers should contact their case manager. Can JEDS be used to file documents in the Appellate Division? No. Self-represented litigants should refer to the appeals section on the Self-Help webpage. All attorneys must electronically file documents through eCourts Appellate. Do I still need to file an original with an original signature when eFiling? No. Documents submitted through eCourts Appellate are deemed to be original. How do I make my documents OCR recognizable (optical character recognition or text searchable) PDF format? There are numerous tools available for converting your documents into text-searchable PDF. If you have created the word document, you can convert it very easily as OCR-PDF by saving it as “Save as type = PDF (*.pdf). If you are scanning your document to generate the PDF, refer to your scanner's user manual or contact the manufacturer to see if your scanner is equipped with the OCR functionality. If you are not familiar with OCR, please consult your local IT support department to verify the OCR settings for your scanner’s properties. You can research downloadable OCR software on the internet or use Adobe to convert the document or visit an office supply store to see if they provide the service that can assist you. Can I save my information in eCourts Appellate and finish it later? Yes. eCourts Appellate saves your information each time you click the Continue/Save button. When returning to your case list and editing the draft, you will return to the last section you worked. , Draft filings are saved for 180 days., How do I file a new transcript request or amended request in eCourts Appellate? If you need to order transcripts after the case initiating documents have been filed or submit an amended transcript request form: From My Case List click the Edit button and select "I am adding Documents" option from the Edit Case popup. On the List of Documents page, click Add Document button. From the Category drop down menu select Appellate Documents. From Document Type drop down menu select Transcript Order Form. , IF, you are filing an amended Transcript Request, check the Amended Document box. Complete Transcript Request Form Verification page and submit your filing. How do I file a substitution of attorney in eCourts Appellate? In eCourts Appellate a substitution of attorney can be filed by either the withdrawing attorney OR the substituting attorney. If the substitution is within the same firm, supporting documentation does not have to be uploaded. Filed by withdrawing attorney From My Case List click the Edit button next to the case being substituted. Select the "Substitution of Attorney" option from the Edit Case popup. On the Update Party page, search for the new attorney. Upload supporting documentation on the Documents page., Reminder, : Supporting documentation is not required if the substitution is within the same firm. The change will be effective after the substitution has been accepted by the Clerk's office, at which time designation of counsel can be filed if your case requires same. If the substitution is within the same firm, the change will be effective immediately, after , it has been submitted in eCourts Appellate. Filed by substituting attorney Select Case Lookup from the menu on the right. Search for the case. Check the box next to docket number listed and select the Substitution of Attorney option on the edit case popup. On the List of Parties page click the Edit button of the party you are modifying. The information of the attorney to be substituted will appear. Upload supporting documentation on the List of Documents page if required. Supporting documentation is not required if the substitution is within the same firm. The change will be effective after the substitution has been accepted by the Clerk's office, at which time designation of counsel can be filed if your case requires same. If the substitution is within the same firm, the change will be effective immediately, after , it has been submitted in eCourts Appellate. How will I know if my document is accepted or rejected in eCourts Appellate? The Clerk's office will review your documents to determine if they comply with the court rules. You will receive a notification outlining any deficiency. Are the old paper cases converted to the P2E case type? No. Paper cases received prior to 02/01/2021 will not be available in eCourts Appellate. Filings for these paper cases should continue to be submitted in paper. How do I register for the eCourts Appellate program? There is no registration process to gain access to eCourts Appellate. All NJ Attorneys in good standing automatically have access. How do I convert my Word or WordPerfect document into a text searchable PDF format on eCourts Appellate? There are numerous tools available for converting your documents into text-searchable PDF. You may want to discuss with your Information Technology (IT) department. If initially both parties are self-represented litigants, and both obtain counsel, will counsel be able to file a substitution in a p2e case? Yes. Cases in which both the appellant and respondent are self-represented litigants will be converted into P2E cases. If one of the parties retains counsel after a P2E case has been created, the attorney would file a substitution of attorney within the case in eCourts Appellate. See FAQ How do I file a substitution of attorney on Appellate eFiling? How do I file a substitution of attorney for instructions. What date is my document filed in eCourts Appellate? The document will be filed as of the date it was received if it is submitted prior to 11:59 pm. Is filing in eCourts Appellate mandatory? Yes.  As of January 1, 2018, NJ licensed attorneys must file all Appellate Division appeals and other documents in appellate matters electronically through eCourts Appellate.  See the October 17, 2017, Notice to the Bar.  How do I sign my documents in eCourts Appellate? S/attorney name or original signature on an uploaded document is acceptable. What does the (p2e) symbol mean after the case title? The P2E feature allows the Appellate Division to create an electronic version of cases filed by self-represented litigants that are currently required to submit documents in paper. For cases received on or after 02/01/2021, an electronic version will be created and accessible from My Case List. These case types will be denoted by the (, p2e, ) symbol appearing after the case title on My Case List. After the electronic version is created, a system generated email notification will be sent to all counsel entered at case initiation. What are the filing fees for eCourts Appellate? See the Fees section on the eCourts Appellate webpage. How are briefs filed in eCourts Appellate? From My Case List click the Edit button next to the appropriate case. Select “I am adding Documents” option from the Edit Case popup. On the List of Documents page click Add Document button. From the Category drop down menu select Brief. From the Document Type drop down menu select the applicable document type. If filing an Appendix, the filer is required to enter the volume number. Upload the document and submit your filing. How are transcripts filed in eCourts Appellate? Transcripts that are ordered for appeal purposes, are filed through the Clerk’s office. The transcripts will be upload to the eCourts Appellate system after being filed. The case manager will notify when to submit 3 filed stamped copies. Transcripts in the attorney’s possession are uploaded by the attorney of record. From My Case List click the Edit button next to the appropriate case. Select “I am adding Documents” option from the Edit Case popup. On the List of Documents page click Add Document button. From the Category drop down menu select Transcript. From the Document Type drop down menu select the applicable transcript type. Complete the required fields, upload a copy of the transcript, and submit your filing. When will the case I filed in eCourts Appellate be docketed? Normally the submission will be reviewed within a few days however that review is based upon the date and time of submission. If all parties in the appeal have obtained counsel, why is the case still marked as P2E? Because the case originated in paper on or after 2/1/2021, it will remain classified as P2E case type throughout the duration of the appeal. Where can I get help if I forgot my username and/or password for eCourts Appellate? Refer to the instructions on the login screen. If additional assistance is required, contact the Judiciary Help Desk at  609-421-6100 . Why is converting documents into PDF format necessary when eFiling? PDF documents are "read only" documents that cannot be easily altered. Are there different rules for documents filed electronically vs. documents filed in paper format? Yes. Please refer to the rule relaxations on the Judiciary website under eCourts Appellate - Notices to the Bar tag Notices to the Bar. What should I do if I need to file a corrected document in eCourts Appellate? eCourts Appellate allows you to mark the electronic document as “Amended” by checking the Amended Document box on the Add Document page. This feature will alert the Clerk’s Office that a correction has been submitted to the previous document. What are the deadlines for eCourts Appellate? Electronic versions of documents are filed within the same deadlines as paper documents., Filing Dates:, Follow the NJ Court Rules and any scheduling order that is entered. Filing a document electronically does not alter or extend any filing deadline., Filing Times:, A document that is received electronically, it is considered to have been filed on the same day it is received unless it is filed after 11:59pm, then that document will be filed the following business day. Note: If paying the filing fee by credit card, the credit card payment service is unavailable from 11:30 pm until midnight daily. All filings must be submitted prior to 11:30 pm to receive the same date of filing. Do I need to file an original and four copies in eCourts Appellate? No. Case initiating documents like the Notice of Appeal and Case Information Statement only need to be electronically filed. Transcripts and briefs will require the submission of three additional copies for the panel reviewing the case; you will be advised by your case manager when to submit paper copies. Can self-represented litigants file electronically in eCourts Appellate after the p2e case is created? No, at this time self-represented litigants will still need to file all documents by mail or email. Can filing fees be paid online in eCourts Appellate? When applicable, filing fees must be paid online to submit your filing.  Fees can be paid by either a JACS (Judiciary Account Charge System) account or by credit card (Visa, Master Card, AMEX, or Discover). Services fees are applied to credit card payments. Note : The credit card payment service is unavailable from 11:30 pm until midnight daily. All filings must be submitted prior to 11:30 pm to receive the same date of filing. How do I serve parties not entered in a case in eCourts Appellate? When a filer is required to serve parties not participating in a case, a proof of service must be uploaded indicating that the non-participating party was served. This upload would be required in the following examples: a motion to be relieved as counsel, where the client isn’t in the eCourts Appellate appeal, a motion to release co-defendant’s pre-sentence reports, or where the trial counsel for the other defendant must be served. I am not receiving emails from the Clerk’s Office. What is wrong? Emails from the Clerk's Office are sent to the email address(es) entered in eCourts Appellate. Note: all eCourts filing applications use the same email addresses. You should check the settings of your email account and/or special software you may be using to protect your account from spam (e.g., anti-virus software) so that your computer does not identify email from the Clerk's Office as "junk" or "spam" mail. If your computer’s Internet and email accounts are functioning properly, please contact the Appellate eFiling team at   609-815-2950 ext. 52590 or   appellateT7.mailbox@njcourts.gov How do I get a filed stamped copy from eCourts Appellate? You will receive a notification when your document has been accepted for filing. You will also be able to print the “Filed” copy from the Docket Information list accessible via the appellate docket number hyperlink on My Case List. I am in receipt of a document from the self-represented litigant and it does not appear in eCourts Appellate? Contact the case manager, the document may be pending review and has not been uploaded into the case. What documents can be filed in eCourts Appellate? Most documents can be eFiled, either through upload (must be in .pdf format with OCR and no larger than 28MB) or system generated (i.e., Notices of Appeal, Case Information Statements, Notices of Motion and Transcript Request forms). There are a few exceptions. Video and media files must be mailed, and a letter uploaded to eCourts Appellate indicating the significance of the documents mailed. Sealed documents for the court's viewing only cannot be eFiled and must be submitted in paper form. I am having a problem with my printer and cannot print the eCourts Appellate documents. Check with your Information Technology (IT) department.  Does filing in eCourts Appellate affect service of my documents? Yes. eCourts Appellate will automatically serve your adversary electronically, if they are an attorney and have a valid eCourts email on file. Any self-represented litigants involved in the case must be served by paper. eCourts Appellate also serves the trial court judges, division managers, and state agency when applicable. How do I file a joint appeal in eCourts Appellate? If you are filing a joint appeal, you will add the additional party and their attorney. Once the case is accepted a notice will be sent to the parties. The joint appellant will need to upload a letter of acceptance indicating that they agree to file a joint brief. How do I change or update my eCourts Appellate contact information? Firm/office information is updated through the Attorney Registration and Payment section on the New Jersey Courts – Portal Home Page.  To update your email address(s) for court notifications, after logging in to eCourts Appellate, select Update Email from the menu on the left of the Welcome page. My filing is still appearing in draft form in eCourts Appellate; how do I complete the submission? If a filing is still appearing in draft status, it is because you did not click continue all the way to the submission page. Your document is not considered submitted until you receive the transaction ID number. Do I have to serve a self-represented party in paper for a P2E case types? Yes. NJ licensed attorneys in good standing are required to submit filings in P2E case types electronically and provide paper copies to the self-represented litigant unless all parties have agreed upon electronic service; acknowledgement of the same would be done by filing a letter or via communication with the case manager. Can the public see my filings in eCourts Appellate? Only attorneys listed as counsel for the parties can view all documents within the case via eCourts Appellate.  What is the maximum file size allowed for each document in eCourts Appellate? Each document submitted should not exceed 28 MB.
  • Collecting Money in a Civil Case, On This Page Body, Collecting a Judgment, If you were awarded a judgment in civil court, you are a judgment creditor. You should contact the person who owes you the money, the judgment debtor, to talk about payment., Note: The court cannot guarantee payment., Although the court will try to help you collect the money owed to you, it cannot guarantee the debt will be paid. This page is for collecting money awards from civil cases with a “J” or “DJ” docket number (typically $20,000 or more). For claims of $5,000 or less, please visit our Small Claims Self-Help small claims page . For claims between $5,000 and $20,000, please visit our Self-Help Special Civil Collecting Your Money - Special Civil special civil part page. (These are cases with either a “SC,” “DC,” or “L” docket number.) Read our brochure on Collecting a Money Judgment - brochure How to Collect a Money Judgment ., Writs of Execution, A writ of execution is a court document that gives a sheriff the right to collect money from a judgment debtor’s income or assets. There are several ways to levy the debtor’s income or assets., Wage Execution, Use the packet, How to Ask the Court to Order a Wage Execution in a Special Civil Part Case How to File a Wage Execution . The judgment creditor can request an Appendix XI-J - Wage Execution execution against a person's wages  if the debtor works in New Jersey and earns more than $217.50 per week. To request a wage execution, send a Notice of Application for Wage Execution - Appendix XI-I Notice of Application for Wage Execution to the debtor by regular and certified mail. A copy of the application and proof of service must be filed with the Civil Division Manager’s office in the county where the case was heard. You need to include the $50 filing fee as a check or money order made payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey . If the debtor objects to the wage execution, the court will schedule a hearing immediately. If the debtor does not object or the court does not allow the objection, the court issues an order for the sheriff to deliver a wage execution to the debtor's employer. The employer will hold back a portion of the debtor's wages and send this money directly to the officer. Contact the county sheriff’s office for their fees. You cannot collect judgments from: Welfare benefits. Social Security. SSI. Veteran’s benefits. Unemployment benefits., Bank Levy (taking funds from a bank account), A bank levy is when a sheriff is authorized to take funds from the debtor’s bank account(s) to pay you. The first step in this process is to complete a Writ of Execution - Appendix XII-D bank levy writ of execution . For awards from civil cases with “J” docket numbers, send the writ to the Civil Division Manager in the county where the case was filed. For “DJ” docket numbers, the writ is issued upon request from the Clerk of Superior Court in Trenton. The court fee for a writ of execution is $50. Once the writ is issued, submit to the sheriff’s office with the sheriff’s fee. Contact the sheriff’s office for their fees. You need to include: The name of the bank. The address of the bank. The last four digits of the account number (do not list the full number). The sheriff will notify the bank and the account will be frozen. Once the funds are frozen you can file a motion to turn over funds. This must be submitted to both the court and the sheriff. If the debtor does not object, the judge will sign the order. If the debtor objects, the court will hold a hearing. Once the judge signs the order, you must send the order to: The sheriff of the county where the bank is located. The bank. The debtor. The sheriff can then go get the money from the account., Seizing a motor vehicle, You must be able to show that the vehicle is registered in the debtor’s name. You will need either: A certified copy of the title, or A certified lien search from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The debtor might have an outstanding loan or debt on the car. You must determine if there is value or equity in the debtor’s car before asking a special civil part officer to take it. Other items that could be used to satisfy a writ include: Office or sports equipment Household items Jewelry Clothing The debtor can keep $1,000 worth of personal property and clothing. If the debtor does not have more than $1,000 worth of personal property, the sheriff cannot use this method., Execution Against Real Estate, The final method is to ask the court for permission to sell real estate. This process is complicated, and you might want to consult an attorney. The process is also expensive because it requires: A costly title search. Publication of the sale in the newspaper. Payment of sheriff’s fees., Recording a Foreign Judgment in New Jersey, Use the packet, Docketing Foreign Judgments, How to File a Judgment Obtained from a Foreign Jurisdiction., If you were awarded a judgment in another state, you can request that it be enforced in New Jersey. You need to provide the foreign judgment with an affixed seal from the issuing court. You also need to attach an affidavit attesting to your status as judgment creditor. You can send the request by regular mail, certified mail or in-person deliver. Include a check or money order of $35 made payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey. You can mail the information and fee to: Judgment Processing Service, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971, Ways to Find Debtor Assets, Information Subpoena, If you do not have the debtor’s financial information, you can get an Information Subpoena - Appendix XI-L information subpoena from any New Jersey Special Civil Part office. An information subpoena is a court document with written questions about the debtor’s assets. You can use an information subpoena to request information about: Checking and savings accounts. What personal assets the debtor owns. Where the debtor works. You need to serve the subpoena to the debtor by regular and certified mail. It must include a return receipt request. The debtor must answer and return the information subpoena within 14 days from when it was served. Information subpoenas cannot be served more than once in six months without court approval. If the debtor fails to answer the subpoena, he or she becomes subject to contempt sanctions enforceable by the court. If the debtor does not fully answer the subpoena within 21 days of receipt, you can request a court order allowing you to subpoena banking institutions, employers, or businesses that owe the debtor money. You need to submit the application supported by a certification to the court. If the court signs the order, you can begin serving the subpoenas to relevant parties., Court Order for Discovery, Another option is to request a court order of discovery. Use the packet  How to File a Motion in the Superior Court of New Jersey - Law Division - Civil Part How to File a Motion in the Superior Court of New Jersey . The petition needs to include the amount due. If approved, the court issues an order requiring the debtor, or anyone with information about the debtor’s assets, to answer questions at a specified place and time. This order can only be issued once per year. You can serve a copy of the order to the debtor or relevant parties by certified and regular mail. It must include a receipt for request and be served at least 10 days prior to the appearance date. If any parties fail to show or answer specified questions, they will be subject to enforceable contempt sanctions., If the money is not collected (liens), Writs for wage executions can last for 20 years, but other writs expire in two years. After two years, the judgment creditor can choose to: Request a new writ of execution from the court by following the same procedures used the first time, allowing the special civil officer to keep trying to get the money; OR Request to have the judgment recorded as a lien against any real estate the debtor owns. Once the judgment is recorded in the Superior Court, the debtor cannot sell with clear title any real estate owned in New Jersey until the debt is paid. To get a lien, request a statement for docketing from the Directory of Superior Court Special Civil Part Offices Special Civil Part Office where the case was heard. You can send the statement for docketing, plus a $35 filing fee payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey , to:, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971, Filing Fee Schedule , Judgments $35 Docketed Judgments $35 Satisfaction of Judgment $50 Writs of Execution $50 Subordination, Assignment, Postponement of Judgment $35 Checks or money orders should be made payable to Treasurer - State of New Jersey . Attorneys may use their Judiciary Collateral Account to pay any fees. Cash is not accepted., Fee Waiver Request., If you believe that you should be exempt from filing fees due to your financial circumstances, use the How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts filing fee waiver request form . This form should accompany your document(s). The form and the documents should be submitted to the, General Equity Judge, in the county in which the property is located. Once the judge has made a determination, your documents will be forwarded to the Superior Court Clerk's Office for filing. If the judge denies the fee waiver request, you will be notified to submit the fee before the documents can be filed., Warrants to Satisfy a Judgment, If a judgment has been satisfied, the plaintiff should prepare a Warrant to Satisfy Judgment warrant to satisfy a judgment form and submit it to court. This is required so the court can process the judgment as satisfied and close the case., Statewide Judgment Processing Services, The Judgment Processing Services Team enters on the civil judgment and order Docket judgments from the Law Division (civil Part and special civil part). This includes entering orders from the Chancery Division (Family Part and Probate Part, the Criminal Division, and municipal courts. The team also processes: Amended Judgments. Orders to Vacate. Orders to Revive Judgment. Certificates of Debt. Substitution of Attorney documents. Judgments from other states (Foreign Judgments). Other New Jersey state agencies against individuals. All initial filings are recorded in the vicinages/local courts for proper stamping and entry. Once recorded in the vicinage, the plaintiff submits the judgment to the Superior Court Judgment Processing Services Team in Trenton, where it is docketed as a statewide lien. All inquiries can be directed to Customer Service by calling 609-421-6100 . All filings should be sent to:, Address for regular mail, :, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0971, Address for messenger service, :, Superior Court Clerk's Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625, NOTE, : Any mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service, including certified and U.S. Express Mail, must say P.O. Box 971 or it will not be received. Any mail sent through private carriers must include the street address.
  • Notable Cases - Overview, These cases deal with issues and outcomes that affect state law, legal procedures, or public interest. On This Page Body, State v. Paul Caneiro, A hearing on the motion for new trial is scheduled for April 20 at 8:30 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold. Sentencing in State v Paul Caneiro is scheduled for May 12 at 8:30 a.m. before Superior Court Assignment Judge Marc Lemieux, Monmouth County Courthouse, 71 Monument St., Freehold. March 18, 2026 - Defense Motion for New Trial Feb. 25, 2026 - Order and Notice of Motion for New Trial Dec. 5, 2025 - Order to Detain Nov. 7, 2025 - Order to Detain Oct. 10, 2025 - Order to Detain Sept. 12, 2025 - Order to Detain Sept. 9, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Release Sept. 9, 2025 - State Motion to Amend Extension Tim Sept. 5, 2025 - Consent Order Jurisdiction Sept. 4, 2025 - State Motion to Stay Trial Sept. 3, 2025 - Consent Order Aug. 13, 2025 - Order & Opinion Change Venue Aug. 10, 2025 - State Brief to State Preclude Photos Redacted Aug. 10, 2025 - Defendant Omnibus Reply Aug. 8, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Change Venue Aug. 7, 2025 - Order & Opinion Ballistics Aug. 7, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Preclude Electronic Communication Aug. 7, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Preclude Photos Redacted July 25, 2025 - Order Motion to Suppress July 24, 2025 - Opinion Motion to Preclude Arson Test July 10, 2025 - State Written Summation Ballistics July 10, 2025 - Order & Opinion Suppression Redacted July 10, 2025 - Order & Opinion Motion Dismiss Indictment Redacted July 10, 2025 - Defendant Brief Motion to Preclude Ballistics July 6, 2025 - State Response Motion Dismiss Indictment July 6, 2025 - Defendant Reply Brief Dismiss Indictment July 2, 2025 - Defendant Brief to Dismiss Indictment July 1, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Preclude Testimony Redacted June 29, 2025 - State Motion to Admit Redacted June 27, 2025 - Confidential Defendant Brief Redacted June 24, 2025 - Order to Suppress Motion to Suppress DVR June 23, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Quash Subpoena Redacted June 20, 2025 - State Response to Motion to Exclude Redacted June 13, 2025 - State Motion to Admit Redacted June 9, 2025 - Defendant Motion to Preclude Statements June 5, 2025 - State Response Motion Preclude Financial June 5, 2025 - State Response Brief Motion Preclude Arson June 2, 2025 - Defendant Brief Motion to Suppress DVR May 28, 2025 - State Brief Motion Suppress Items Warrant May 28, 2025 - State Brief Motion Preclude Ballistics May 27, 2025 - State Brief Response Motion Suppress May 7, 2025 - State Brief Motion Limine May 7, 2025 - Defendant Notice Of Motion Suppress DVR May 7, 2025 - Defendant Motion Suppress Evidence Warrant Redacted May 7, 2025 - Defendant Brief Motion Preclude Financial May 6, 2025 - Order & Opinion Watson May 6, 2025 - Order & Opinion Miranda May 6, 2025 - Defendant Motion Preclude Arson Testimony May 6, 2025 - Defendant Motion Preclude Ballistics Redacted Apr. 23, 2025 - State Motion to Admit Statements Apr. 23, 2025 - Defendant Response to Motion to Admit Apr. 4, 2025 - Order to Change Venue Denied - Redacted Mar. 24, 2025 - Defendant Response to Watson Motion Redacted Mar. 21, 2025 - State Opposition to Defendant Motion Redacted Mar. 21, 2025 - Defendant Reply Brief Mar. 8, 2025 - Motion to Change Venue Redacted Mar. 6, 2025 - Order Denying Defendant Omnibus Motion Feb. 28, 2025 - State Motion In Limine Redacted Jan. 21, 2025 - State Response to Motion Redacted Jan. 17, 2025 - Defendant Brief Redacted, State v. Ernest Troiano, Steven Mikulski, and Peter Byron, Sentencing in State v Peter Byron has been rescheduled for July 10 before Superior Court Judge Pamela D’Arcy at the Cape May County Courthouse, 9 N. Main St., Cape May Court House. Oct. 15, 2025- Motion to Reconsider (Ernest Troiano) Motion to Reconsider (Ernest Troiano) Oct. 15, 2025- Order on Motion to Reconsider (Ernest Troiano) Order on Motion to Reconsider (Ernest Troiano) Oct. 15, 2025- Amended Order on Motion to Reconsider (Steven Mikulski) Amended Order on Motion to Reconsider (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- ernest-troiano-motion to dismiss indictment Motion to dismiss indictment (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven-defense-reply-brief Defense Reply Brief (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven- micellaneous correspondence Micellaneous correspondence (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven-notice of motion to dismiss indictment Notice of motion to dismiss indictment (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven-motion to dismiss indictment Motion to dismiss indictment (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- states-response to troiano dismissal indicment State's Response to Dismissal Motion (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven-states-response to motion-brief to dismiss indictment State's response to motion Brief to dismiss indictment (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-scheduling-order Scheduling Order (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-letter-reply re qualification-of-jurors Letter Reply re Qualification of Jurors (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-letter-to-court-re-number-of-jurors Letter to Court re Number of Jurors (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-reply to-states-opposition Reply to State's opposition (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-states-response-to-motion-brief State's response to motion Brief (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-states response to motion to dismiss indictment-brief State's response to motion to dismiss indictment Brief (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- appellate- decision-re-motion for leave to appeal Appellate decision re motion for leave to appeal (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- byron-peter-compel-discovery-scheduling-order Compel Discovery Scheduling Orde r (Peter Byron) Jan. 22, 2025- byron-peter-brief-compel discovery Brief compel discovery (Peter Byron) Jan. 22, 2025- byron-peter motion to compel discovery Motion to compel discovery (Peter Byron) Jan. 22, 2025- mikulski-steven-letter-brief-re-motion-sever Letter Brief re motion Sever (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- Motion to Sever Motion to Sever (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- states-response-to-troiano-severance-motion State's Response to Severance Motion (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-motion-sever Motion Sever (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-amended-order-re-mo-to-dismiss-indictment Amended order re motion to dismiss indictment (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-motion-to-sever-scheduling-order Motion to Sever Scheduling Order (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest--order-granting-motion-to dismiss Order granting motion to dismiss (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest--orrder-re-defense-mo-to-dismiss-indictment Order Re Defense's motion to dismiss Indictment (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-letter-reply-to-court-re-opposition Letter Reply to Court re Opposition (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- Motion for leave to appeal filed with Appellate Division Motion for leave to appeal filed with Appellate Division (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-motion-to- dismiss-indictment Motion to dismiss indictment (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- State's response to motion to dismiss indictment Brief State's response to motion to dismiss indictment Brief (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 202- State's Objection to Continued Participation State's Objection to Continued Participation (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-reply-to-states-object-re-attorney-disqualification Reply to State's object re Attorney disqualification (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- Brief Reply defendant re motion to Sever Brief Reply defendant re motion to Sever (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- Compel Withdrawal Order Compel Withdrawal Order (Peter Byron) Jan. 22, 2025- State's Response re motion to compel discovery State's Response re motion to compel discovery (Peter Byron) Jan. 22, 2025- troiano-ernest-motion-to-sever-order Motion to Sever Order (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- Disqualify Attorney Letter Decision Disqualify Attorney Letter Decision (Ernest Troiano) Jan. 22, 2025- Motion in Limine Motion in Limine (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- State's response Brief re motion in Limine State's response Brief re motion in Limine (Steven Mikulski) Jan. 22, 2025- Motion to Sever Letter Decision Motion to Sever Letter Decision (Ernest Troiano), State v. Sean M. Higgins, A hearing on a motion to dismiss the indictment has been scheduled for May 11 at 2:30 p.m. before Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio at the Salem County Courthouse, 92 Market St., Salem. The April 14 pretrial conference has been rescheduled to be held that same date and time. Feb. 24, 2026 - Notice of Motion to Dismiss Jan. 15, 2026 - Order Jan. 15, 2026 - State Brief Jan. 15, 2026 - Order to File Overlength Brief Dec. 11, 2025 - Appellant Brief Nov. 10, 2025 - Motion to Suppress Order Motion to Suppress Order Oct. 30, 2025 - Defense Supplemental Brief, Motion to Suppress Defense Supplemental Brief, Motion to Suppress Aug. 25, 2025 - Higgins - Motion to Suppress Evidence Order Motion to Suppress Evidence Order July 24, 2025 - Defense Letter Brief in Support of Motion to Suppress Statements Defense Letter Brief in Support of Motion to Suppress Statements July 24, 2025 - State Response to Motion to Suppress Evidence State Response to Motion to Suppress Evidence July 22, 2025 - Amended Scheduling Order Amended Scheduling Order July 17, 2025 - Higgins - Defense Brief Motion to Suppress Data Defense Brief Motion to Suppress Data July 8, 2025 - State Letter on Motion to Suppress Statement State Letter on Motion to Suppress Statement June 11, 2025 - Higgins Scheduling Order Scheduling Order June 10, 2025 - Higgins - Motion to Suppress Statement Motion to Suppress Statement June 10, 2025 - Higgins - Motion to Suppress Data Motion to Suppress Data April 15, 2025 - Higgins Order on Motion to Dismiss Order on Motion to Dismiss April 15, 2025 - Order on Motion to Compel Discovery Order on Motion to Compel Discovery April 9, 2025 - State Motion in Limine State Motion in Limine March 31, 2025 - State Brief on Motion for Additional Discovery (Blood Evidence) State Brief on Motion for Additional Discovery (Blood Evidence) March 31, 2025 - State Brief on Motion to Compel State Brief on Motion to Compel March 31, 2025 - State Brief on Motion to Dismiss State Brief on Motion to Dismiss March 10, 2025 - Defense Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Defense Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss March 10, 2025 - Defense Brief in Support of Motion to Compel Defense Brief in Support of Motion to Compel Feb. 5, 2025 - Higgins Scheduling Motion Scheduling Motion Feb. 5, 2025 - Higgins Notice to Withdraw Discovery Request (Blood Testing) Notice to Withdraw Discovery Request (Blood Testing) Feb. 5, 2025 - Higgins Motion for Discovery (Blood Testing) Motion for Discovery (Blood Testing) Feb. 4, 2025 - Motion to Dismiss Indictment Motion to Dismiss Indictment Feb. 4, 2025 - Motion for Discovery (Plea Offer) Motion for Discovery (Plea Offer) Dec. 11, 2024 - Indictment Oct 23, 2024 - State Brief Oct 23, 2024 - Appellant Brief Oct. 22, 2024 – Appellate Division Order Oct. 18, 2024 - Order Dissolving Restraints Oct. 11, 2024 - Media Advisory Sept. 26, 2024 - L 221-24 Order to Show Cause Order to Show Cause Sept. 10, 2024 - Media Advisory Sept. 4, 2024 - Media Advisory, State v. George Norcross et al, July 23, 2025 - NJ State Bar Association Proposed Amicus Brief NJ State Bar Association Proposed Amicus Brief July 23, 2025 - NJ State Bar Association Motion to Appear as Amicus NJ State Bar Association Motion to Appear as Amicus June 16, 2025 - Brief of Amici Curiae June 11, 2025 - Appellant Brief Feb. 26, 2025 - Notice of Appeal Feb. 26, 2025 - Order and Statement of Reasons Feb. 24, 2025 - Norcross Withdrawal of Counsel Withdrawal of Counsel Jan. 3, 2025 - Defendant’s letter Re: Amici Curiae Jan. 3, 2025 - Motion to Suppress Evidence Jan. 3, 2025 - State’s Letter in Response to Motion to Compel Production of Wiretap Applications Jan. 3, 2025 - Brief in Support of Motion to Compel Production of Wiretap Applications Jan. 3, 2025 - State’s Letter Re: Amici Curiae Dec. 26, 2024 - Notice of Motion to Intervene as Amici Curiae Notice of Motion to Intervene as Amici Curiae Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (William Tambussi) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (William Tambussi) Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Sidney Brown) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Sidney Brown) Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (John O’Donnell) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (John O’Donnell) Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Dana Redd) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Dana Redd) Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Philip Norcross) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (Philip Norcross) Dec. 26, 2024 - Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (George Norcross) Reply Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Indictment (George Norcross) Nov. 25, 2024 - State Brief in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss Indictment Nov. 25, 2024 - State Letter in Response to Motion to Compel Discovery Nov. 21, 2024 - Motion to Compel Discovery Nov. 7, 2024 - Consent Protective Order Oct. 15, 2024 - Letter to the Court Oct. 11, 2024 - Letter to the Court Oct. 11, 2024 - Notice of Appearance Oct. 1, 2024 –  Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss  (Sidney Brown) Oct. 1, 2024 – Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss (John O’Donnell) Oct. 1, 2024 – Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss (Philip Norcross) Oct. 1, 2024 – Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss (Dana Redd) Sept. 26, 2024 – Sept. 26, 2024 – Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss Brief in Support of Motion to Dismiss  (William Tambussi) Sept. 24, 2024 - Motion to Dismiss Sept. 9, 2024 - Media Advisory June 14, 2024 - Indictment, Fair Share Housing (COAH), Supreme Court, COAH Case & Related Filings, COAH Order COAH Order In re Declaratory Judgment Actions - App. Div. Opinion In re Declaratory Judgment Actions - App. Div. Opinion, Supreme Court COAH Case & Related Filings, March 10, 2015 -  COAH Case Supreme Court opinion COAH Case Supreme Court opinion Mount Laurel Judges Mount Laurel Judges
  • Supreme Court Committees, The Supreme Court benefits from the input of individuals with diverse areas of expertise, experiences, and perspectives interested in assisting the Judiciary through service on committees and other groups. The Court continues to prioritize inclusivity in the composition of its committees, including as to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and all primary aspects of identity, as well as areas of legal practice, geography, and community involvement, in order to support robust discussion and comprehensive consideration of issues. Anyone interested in being considered by the Court for appointment should send an email to , Supreme Court Committees, at Comments.Mailbox@njcourts.gov .  Please include the following in your email: your full name, address, email address, telephone number(s), your attorney ID (if applicable), the county or counties in which you practice (for attorneys), and a selection of the committee(s) in which you are interested. If possible, also include a resumé or link to an online profile with your email. Please explain in 2-3 sentences why you want to participate in a Supreme Court committee. See this Notice of the Bar - May 4, 2022 May 4, 2022 Notice for more information. On This Page Body, Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, The committee investigates and prosecutes Filing a Judicial Ethics Complaint ethics complaints filed against judges under Rules of Court Court Rule 2:15 ., Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, This Committee accepts referrals from the Court and inquiries from members of the New Jersey bar concerning proper conduct for a member of the legal profession under the Rules of Professional Conduct and Court Rules. R. 1:19-1 et seq. It also operates the  , Attorney Ethics Research Assistance Hotline,    609-815-2924 . , Address:, Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 970 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 609-815-2924, Civil Practice Committee, The committee is responsible for examining and making recommendations for amendments and additions to Parts I, II, IV, and VI of the Court Rules, as well as related non-rule changes and responses to statutory amendments and new legislation related to court practice., Committee on Attorney Advertising, This Committee imposes discipline on attorneys for violation of the attorney advertising rules (RPC 7.1 through RPC 7.5) and issues advisory opinions to New Jersey lawyers regarding attorney advertising. R. 1:19A-1 et seq. Committee staff also operates the  , Attorney Ethics Research Assistance Hotline,    609-815-2924 . , Address:, Committee on Attorney Advertising, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 970 Trenton, New Jersey 08625, Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, This Committee reviews grievances regarding unauthorized practice of law and also issues advisory opinions. R. 1:22-1 et seq., Contact:, Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street P.O. Box 970 - 08625 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 609-815-2900 ext. 54965, District Ethics Committees, The core of the disciplinary system is the 18 regional district ethics committees , which are staffed by volunteer attorney and public members. Volunteer attorney members investigate and prosecute cases of standard attorney misconduct before hearing panels consisting of volunteer attorney and public members. Findings of unethical conduct are then forwarded to the Disciplinary Review Board.  District ethics committees meet monthly online or in a hybrid format. To volunteer, Application Form submit a volunteer application to the Office of Attorney Ethics. , District Fee Arbitration Committees, District fee arbitration committees, which comprise attorney and public volunteers, who promote public confidence in the judicial system by resolving disputes over the reasonableness of attorney’s fee. The program minimizes fee litigation in Superior Court and expedites the resolution of fee disputes.  District fee arbitration committees monthly or in a hybrid format. To volunteer, Application form submit a volunteer application to the Office of Attorney Ethics. , Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, The committee advises the Supreme Court on how the Judiciary can best assure fairness, impartiality and equal access to minority groups, including linguistic minorities; provides guidance to vicinage advisory committees on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement; and conducts studies and other research related to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement issues., Family Practice Committee, The committee considers family court procedures and recommends amendments to Part V of the Rules of Court to clarify and improve the procedures in the family courts., Jury Selection in Civil and Criminal Trials Committee, The committee provides oversight of jury selection practices in both civil and criminal trials and provides a ready forum for review of proposed changes that may be generated by court decisions, committee recommendations, or other sources. It is responsible for maintaining the Judiciary’s Bench Manual on Juror Selection., Lawyers Fund for Client Protection, Appointed by the court to five-year terms, the trustees meet monthly to consider reimbursement of claims of misappropriation of trust funds by former clients of lawyers who have been suspended or disbarred., Model Civil Jury Charges Committee, The committee prepares and updates model civil jury charges and related judges’ notes. Trial judges and litigants use the model charges to provide juries with accurate and understandable instructions on the law in civil cases., Model Criminal Jury Charges Committee, The committee develops the appropriate model language for judges to explain to juries the controlling legal principles and questions that they must decide., Municipal Court Practice Committee, The committee studies possible improvements and modifications to the Part VII Court Rules Governing the Municipal Courts and makes recommendations to the Supreme Court relating to these rules. The committee may also occasionally make non-rule recommendations to the court relating to municipal court practice., Outside Activities Advisory Committee, The committee has jurisdiction to provide guidance to Judiciary employees on the Code of Conduct for Judiciary Employees. The committee includes six judges, one Surrogate, four Judiciary employees, two practicing attorneys and three public members who serve two-year terms., Rules of Evidence Committee, The committee studies possible improvements and modifications to the New Jersey Rules of Evidence and makes recommendations to the Supreme Court relating to these Rules., State Domestic Violence Working Group, The working group advises the Supreme Court on systemic issues facing the court system in the area of domestic violence., Tax Court Committee, The committee includes members of the bench and tax bar, representatives of taxpayers' groups, local, county and state tax administrators, and others concerned with the administration and review of New Jersey tax laws. The committee examines Part VIII of the NJ Court Rules and proposes amendments and new rules to the Supreme Court., Gender in the Courts Committee, The committee monitors the nature and extent of systemic gender bias in the court system and provides training to the bench, bar and others on the subject of gender bias to help ensure fair treatment in the legal system.
  • Attorney Forms and Fees (CLE), Required forms for CLE credits., *Announcement -, Applications for Waivers and Applications for Extension of Time should be completed inside the Attorney Registration Attorney Registration system. Use the “Continuing Legal Education” tile to find this information. The Application for a Waiver or Extension Quick Reference Guide provides step-by-step instructions for requesting waivers and extensions., Forms, Accreditation of an Individual Course Attorney Application for Individual Course Accreditation Use this form to request accreditation for an individual course. Compliance Reporting Form for Reinstatement from the CLE Ineligible List Reinstatement Compliance Reporting Form Use this form to request reinstatement from the CLE Ineligible List., Attorney Fees, Type, Fee, Extension of Time or Waiver Application Filing Fee $ 25 Noncompliance Level I (To be paid when coming into compliance and reporting within the grace period) $ 50 Noncompliance Level II Additional charge if noncompliant or compliant after grace period ends. Total cost is $100) $ 50 Reinstatement from Administrative Ineligibility $100, Rules and Regulations, Read Rule 1:42 Continuing Legal Education Court Rule 1:42 (Continuing Legal Education) . Read the Board on Continuing Legal Education Regulations Board on Continuing Legal Education Regulations  approved by the New Jersey Supreme Court., Contact Us, Mailing Address:, Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, P.O. Box 965 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0965, Street Address:, Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 8- North Wing Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Phone:: 609-815-2930 SCTCLE.mailbox@njcourts.gov
  • Judicial Conference on Jury Selection, On This Page Body, Conference Information, July 14, 2022 Notice re Juror Demographic Data, Notice - Collection of Voluntary Juror Demographic Information - Initial Implementation in Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex Counties Notice – Collection of Voluntary Juror Demographic Information – Initial Implementation in Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex Counties, July 12, 2022 Supreme Court Actions, Notice – Jury Reforms – Supreme Court Action: (1) Administrative Determinations on the Report and Recommendations of the Committee of the Judicial Conference on Jury Selection; (2) Amendments to the Rules of Court; and (3) Authorization of a Pilot Notice – Jury Reforms – Supreme Court Action Supreme Court’s Administrative Determinations on the Recommendations Supreme Court’s Administrative Determinations on the Recommendations Order Adopting Rule Amendments and New Rule Order Adopting Rule Amendments and New Rule Order Authorizing the Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire (ACDV) Pilot Program Order Authorizing the Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire (ACDV) Pilot Program, April 28, 2022 Recommendations, Notice – Jury Reform – Recommendations of the Committee of the Judicial Conference on Jury Selection – Publication for Comment – Comments Requested by June 10, 2022 Notice listing the Recommendations and requesting Comments, with the three Subcommittee reports attached. April 28, 2022 letter from Senator Steven V. Oroho, Senate Republican Leader April 28, 2022 letter from Senator Steven V. Oroho, Senate Republican Leader April 25, 2022 letter to Senator Oroho from Administrative Director Glenn A. Grant April 25, 2022 letter to Senator Oroho from Administrative Director Glenn A. Grant, Nov. 10 and Nov. 12, 2021 Conference, Judicial Conference Sessions (Video Recordings), Nov. 10 , 2021 Conference, Chief Justice Rabner's Opening Remarks Chief Justice Rabner's Opening Remarks First Panel: Voir Dire in New Jersey First Panel: Voir Dire in New Jersey Second Panel: Jury Representativeness Second Panel: Jury Representativeness Third Panel: Peremptory Challenges & the Right of Civic Engagement Third Panel: Peremptory Challenges & the Right of Civic Engagement Fourth Panel: Supporting Juror Impartiality Fourth Panel: Supporting Juror Impartiality Chief Justice Rabner's Day 1 Closing Remarks Chief Justice Rabner's Day 1 Closing Remarks, Nov. 12,2021 Conference, Acting Administrative Director Grant’s Day 2 Opening Remarks Acting Administrative Director Grant’s Day 2 Opening Remarks Fifth Panel: Juror Records & Demographic Data Fifth Panel: Juror Records & Demographic Data Sixth Panel: Toward Representative Juries Sixth Panel: Toward Representative Juries, Public Testimony (listed alphabetically by speaker), Hon. Barry T. Albin, Associate Justice The Reverend Dr. Charles Franklin Boyer, Founding Director, Salvation and Social Justice Hon. Andrew J. Bruck, Acting Attorney General Domenick Carmagnola, President, New Jersey State Bar Association Ryan P. Haygood, President & CEO, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Hon. Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender Aidan P. O’Connor, President, Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey Henal Patel, Board Director, New Jersey League of Women Voters Kathleen M. Reilly, President, New Jersey Association for Justice Ryan Richman, President, New Jersey Defense Association Akil Roper, Vice President & Assistant General Counsel, Legal Services of New Jersey Michele N. Siekerka, President & CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association Pastor Ronald L. Slaughter, St. James AME Church Hon. Esther Suarez, Hudson County Prosecutor & President, County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey Matthew J. Tharney, President, Trial Attorneys of New Jersey Karen Thompson, Senior Staff Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Gregg L. Zeff, Legal Redress Chair, NAACP of New Jersey Chief Justice Rabner's Closing Remarks Chief Justice Rabner's Closing Remarks See conference agenda conference agenda, Guide to the Judicial Conference on Jury Selection, A Guide to the NJ Judicial Conference on Jury Selection - Print Version, Print Version (no hyperlinks), Online Version, A Guide to the NJ Judicial Conference on Jury Selection, Guide, Attachments, Attachment A Attachment A Attachment B Attachment B Attachment C Attachment C Attachment D Attachment D Attachment E Attachment E Attachment F Attachment F Attachment G Attachment G Attachment H Attachment H Attachment I Attachment I Attachment J Attachment J Attachment K Attachment K Attachment L Attachment L Judicial Conference on Jury Selection Gathering for Second Day Press Release - Judicial Conference on Jury Selection Gathering for Second Day  (Nov. 11, 2021)  Judicial Conference Assembles Supreme Court Justices, Experts, and Key Stakeholders to Improve Jury Selection Process Press Release - Judicial Conference Assembles Supreme Court Justices, Experts, and Key Stakeholders to Improve Jury Selection Process  (Nov. 4, 2021)  Notice - Judicial Conference on Jury Selection - Guide and Request for Comments Notice to the Bar and Public — Judicial Conference on Jury Selection - Guidance Document and Request for Public Comment (Oct. 19, 2021)  Notice - Judicial Conference on Jury Selection – Preliminary Information and Invitation to Participate Notice to the Bar and Public — Judicial Conference on Jury Selection - Preliminary Information and Invitation to Participate (Sept. 28, 2021), Materials Presented at the Conference, First Panel: Voir Dire in New Jersey Voir Dire in New Jersey. Part 1. (Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton) Voir Dire in New Jersey. Part 1. (Assignment Judge Lisa Thornton) Voir Dire in New Jersey - Part 2. Attorney Conducted Voir Dire. (Public Defender Joseph E. Krakora) Voir Dire in New Jersey - Part 2. Attorney Conducted Voir Dire. (Public Defender Joseph E. Krakora) Second Panel: Jury Representativeness Jury Representativeness. Part 1. (Professor Nina Chernoff) Jury Representativeness. Part 1. (Professor Nina Chernoff) Jury Representativeness. Part 2. (Mary Rose, Ph.D.) Jury Representativeness. Part 2. (Mary Rose, Ph.D.) Third Panel: Peremptory Challenges & the Right of Civic Engagement Peremptory Challenges and the Right of Civic Engagement. Part 1. (Howard Berchtold. Will Snowden.) Peremptory Challenges and the Right of Civic Engagement. Part 1. (Howard Berchtold. Will Snowden.) Peremptory Challenges and the Right of Civic Engagement. Part 2. (Gregg Zeff.) Peremptory Challenges and the Right of Civic Engagement. Part 2. (Gregg Zeff.) Fourth Panel: Supporting Juror Impartiality (Judge Hany Mawla, Judge Edward McBride, Jr., Prosecutor Camelia Valdes) Fourth Panel. Supporting Juror Impartiality Fourth Panel. Supporting Juror Impartiality Fifth Panel – Juror Records and Demographic Data Juror Records & Demographic Data Juror Records & Demographic Data Sixth Panel – Toward Representative Juries No Materials, Speakers, Opening Keynote Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an intellectual who speaks to the complex dynamics of the American experience. His most well-known books,  Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul , and  In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America , take a wide look at black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States, and the challenges our democracy face. He is an American critic in the tradition of James Baldwin and Ralph Waldo Emerson. In his writings, the country’s complexities, vulnerabilities, and the opportunities for hope come into full view. Hope that is, in one of his favorite quotes from W.E.B Du Bois, “not hopeless, but a bit unhopeful.” He is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the Department of African American Studies, a program he first became involved with shaping as a doctoral candidate in Religion at Princeton. He is the former president of the American Academy of Religion. His books on religion and philosophy include  An Uncommon Faith: A Pragmatic Approach to the Study of African American Religion ,  African American Religion: A Very Short Introduction and Exodus! Religion ,  Race and Nation in Early 19th Century Black America , which was awarded the Modern Language Association’s William Sanders Scarborough Book Prize. Glaude is also the author of two edited volumes, and many influential articles about religion for academic journals. He has also written for the likes of  The New York Times  and  Time Magazine . Known to be a convener of conversations and debates, Glaude takes care to engage fellow citizens of all ages and backgrounds – from young activists, to fellow academics, journalists and commentators, and followers on Twitter in dialogue about the direction of the nation. His scholarship and his sense of himself as a public intellectual are driven by a commitment to think carefully with others in public. Glaude’s most recent book,  Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own , was released on June 30, 2020. Of Baldwin, Glaude writes, “Baldwin’s writing does not bear witness to the glory of America. It reveals the country’s sins, and the illusion of innocence that blinds us to the reality of others. Baldwin’s vision requires a confrontation with our history (with slavery, Jim Crow segregation, with whiteness) to overcome its hold on us. Not to posit the greatness of America, but to establish the ground upon which to imagine the country anew.” Some like to describe Glaude as the quintessential Morehouse man, having left his home in Moss Point, Mississippi at age 16 to begin studies at the HBCU. He holds a master’s degree in African American Studies from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Religion from Princeton University. He began his teaching career at Bowdoin College. In 2011 he delivered Harvard’s Du Bois lectures. In 2015 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Colgate University, delivering commencement remarks titled, “Turning Our Backs” that was recognized by  The New York Times  as one of the best commencement speeches of the year. He is a columnist for  Time Magazine  and a MSNBC contributor on programs like  Morning Joe , and  Deadline Whitehouse with Nicolle Wallace . He also regularly appears on  Meet the Press  on Sundays. First Panel, Hon. Joseph F. Lisa, P.J.A.D. (Ret.), After twenty-two years in private practice, Judge Lisa was appointed to the Superior Court in May 1991. He served in the Civil and Criminal Divisions in the Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem Vicinage. He was the Presiding Criminal Judge in the Vicinage from 1994 to 2000, and he served as the Statewide Chair of the Conference of Criminal Presiding Judges from 1996 to 2000. In January 2001, Judge Lisa was assigned to the Appellate Division. He retired from active service in September 2011. During his last three court terms, he was a Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division. Judge Lisa is presently serving in the Appellate Division on recall status, conducting CASP conferences, sitting on occasional plenary calendars, and presiding over Special Master proceedings assigned to him by the Supreme Court. During his judicial tenure, Judge Lisa chaired the Ad Hoc Committee on Bail Forfeiture, the Special Supreme Court Committee on Peremptory Challenges and Jury Voir Dire, the Supreme Court Committee on Jury Selection in Civil and Criminal Trials, and the Megan's Law Three-Judge Disposition Committee. He also served as a member of the Commission on Professionalism in the Law, the Criminal Practice Committee, and the Trial Judges' Committee on Capital Causes. Judge Lisa received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966, and his law degree from Georgetown University Law School in 1969., Hon. Lisa P. Thornton, A.J.S.C., Judge Lisa P. Thornton was appointed to the Superior Court bench in January of 2008. She has served as the Supervising Special Civil Part Judge, Presiding Judge of the Family Part and in 2014 was appointed to serve as the Assignment Judge for the Monmouth Vicinage. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Thornton served as Chief of Staff for the Department of Law and Public Safety where she assisted the Attorney General with the overall management and oversight of the Department and its approximately 9,000 employees. Unrivaled in depth, and complexity, the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety is responsible for protecting citizens’ civil and consumer rights, promoting highway traffic safety, maintaining public confidence in the alcoholic beverage, gaming and racing industries and providing legal services and counsel to other state agencies. As Chief of Staff, Judge Thornton spearheaded a statewide criminal justice initiative that addressed prevention, enforcement and re-entry. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff for the Department of Law and Public Safety, Judge Thornton served as Senior Counsel to Governor Jon Corzine in 2006. Assigned to the Authorities Unit, responsible for monitoring public boards and commissions, she advised the Governor on a variety of issues including healthcare, education, public finance and transportation. From 2002 through 2006 Judge Thornton served as Special Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Banking and Insurance where she helped develop reforms that resulted in the vibrant auto insurance market that New Jersey consumers currently enjoy. From 1999 to 2001, Judge Thornton served as a Municipal Court Judge in Neptune, NJ. She was a Senior Trial Attorney with Prudential Financial from 1992 to 2002. Judge Thornton received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College, and her J.D. degree from Rutgers School of Law – Newark.  , Joseph E. Krakora, Public Defender, Joseph E. Krakora was originally sworn in as Public Defender in 2011 and is currently serving his second five year term. Under his leadership, the New Jersey State Office of the Public Defender has built a reputation as one of the best offices in the country. Mr. Krakora has recruited talented attorneys from diverse backgrounds, expanded the office’s training programs, and upgraded the agency’s technology and facilities. He has become an influential stakeholder in New Jersey’s justice system on many issues, having spearheaded the pretrial release reform that eliminated monetary bail, advocated for sentencing reform on New Jersey’s Sentencing Commission, and directed the filing of three successful Orders to Show Cause in the Supreme Court for release of jail and prison inmates during the pandemic. Mr. Krakora joined the NJOPD in 1986 and has held numerous positions in the agency since that time. He spent a number of years as both a staff attorney and a manager in the Essex Region where he developed a reputation as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey gaining recognition for numerous acquittals in high profile cases. He served as the agency’s Assistant Public Defender and Director of Capital and Special Litigation from 2002 until 2010. In that capacity he served on the Death Penalty Study Commission as a strong advocate for its abolition and handled numerous death penalty cases until the abolition of the death penalty in December 2007. Mr. Krakora is a graduate of Princeton University and Cornell University School of Law. Professional Highlights Started with the OPD Essex Trial Region in 1986 Served as the First Assistant Deputy in Essex overseeing defense of all homicide cases Represented approximately 30 clients facing death penalty and tried 11 capital cases to verdict Served as Director of Capital Litigation for the Office of the Public Defender Represented the OPD on Death Penalty Study Commission that recommended abolition Featured in 4 front page NJ Law Journal articles after acquittals on high profile cases Handled State v. Henderson litigation at the remand hearing and before the NJ Supreme Court Member of Criminal Disposition and Sentencing Commission (CDSC) Spearheaded CDSC’s recommendations for reforms including elimination of mandatory minimums for drug offenses and juvenile resentencing Filed 3 successful Orders to Show Cause directly in the Supreme Court during the pandemic: Leading to the Consent Order that resulted in the release of approximately 700 county jail inmates serving sentences Establishing right to due process for State prison inmates eligible for release under Executive Order 124 Requiring trial courts to consider the impact of the pandemic as a changed circumstance during hearings on motions to reconsider pretrial detention orders, Hon. Carmen Messano, P.J.A.D. (Moderator), Carmen Messano was appointed to the bench in 1997, after serving from 1991 to 1997 as the Hudson County Prosecutor. He has served on the Appellate Division since 2006 and currently serves as the Presiding Judge for Administration. Prior to that, Judge Messano served in all three divisions of the trial court and was Presiding Judge of the Civil Division in Hudson County. Judge Messano has served on the Civil Practice Committee, and has chaired the Supreme Court's Committee on the Rules of Evidence for the last twelve years. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Lafayette College, where he majored in Government and Law and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. The judge is a 1977 graduate of Boston College Law School. Second Panel, Professor Nina W. Chernoff, CUNY School of Law, Nina Chernoff is a Professor at the CUNY School of Law. Professor Chernoff’s research focuses on the jury, primarily the right to a jury selected from a fair cross-section of the community. Her scholarship includes No Records, No Right: Discovery and the Fair Cross-Section Guarantee (2016); Wrong About the Right: How Courts Undermine the Fair Cross-Section Guarantee by Confusing it With Equal Protection (2012); Black to the Future: The State Action Doctrine & The White Jury (2019); and Preempting Jury Challenges: Strategies for Courts and Jury System Administrators, with Dr. Joseph B. Kadane (2012). Professor Chernoff also works with courts committed to assembling diverse jury pools. For example, she gave the keynote presentation at the Washington State Supreme Court’s symposium on Jury Diversity in Washington: A Hollow Promise or Hopeful Future?, and is currently a consultant to the New Jersey Judiciary. Professor Chernoff also works with attorneys and communities seeking to diversify their jury pools through advocacy or litigation. For example, she recently helped write a letter recommending improvements to the jury plan of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. Prior to joining CUNY’s faculty, Professor Chernoff was an Acting Assistant Professor of Lawyering at New York University Law School. Before entering academia, she was a staff attorney in the Special Litigation Division of the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). Prior to PDS, she was a staff attorney and Zubrow Fellow at Juvenile Law Center and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas L. Ambro, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Professor Chernoff graduated from Georgetown University Law Center, magna cum laude, in 2003; she received her M.S. with distinction in Justice, Law & Society from the School of Public Affairs at American University in 2000, and her B.A. in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College in 1997., Professor Mary R. Rose, University of Texas at Austin, Mary Rose received an A.B. in Psychology from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in social psychology from Duke University. Formerly a research fellow at the American Bar Foundation, she is currently Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches courses on social science and law as well as social psychology and research methods. Her research examines lay participation in the legal system and perceptions of justice, and she has written on a variety of topics including the effects of jury selection practices on jury representativeness and citizens’ views of justice, jury trial innovations, civil damage awards, and public views of court practices. She is also an investigator on the landmark study of decision making among 50 deliberating juries from Pima County, Arizona. She has served on the editorial boards of Law & Social Inquiry, Law & Society Review, Criminology, Social Psychology Quarterly, and Law & Human Behavior and is a former trustee of the Law & Society Association. Her research has been cited in numerous court cases, including three U.S. Supreme Court cases: Miller-el v. Dretke (Breyer, J., concurring); Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker and Ramos v. Louisiana., Hon. David H. Ironson, J.S.C. (Moderator), Judge David H. Ironson serves in the Criminal Division in the Morris/Sussex Vicinage. He was appointed to the bench in 2008 and has been assigned to the Civil and Criminal divisions. Judge Ironson graduated from Seton Hall Law and the University of Maryland. He currently serves as Chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Jury Selection in Civil and Criminal Trials and also served as co-chair of the Judiciary Working Group on Juror Impartiality.         Third Panel, William C. Snowden, The Juror Project, Will Snowden is the proud son of Billy Ray and Kay Snowden who were not only Milwaukee public school teachers, but also taught Will why speaking up and speaking out is important. Will plays the cello, really enjoys dancing but isn’t that good at it, and before his current work as the director of the Vera Institute of Justice in New Orleans, he was a New Orleans public defender for five years where he developed a passion and focus for all things related to jury service. Will started The The Juror Project Juror Project to increase diversity of jury panels and improve people’s perspective of jury duty. Will graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2013., Gregg L. Zeff, NAACP of New Jersey, Gregg L. Zeff began practicing civil rights law back in 1988 protecting the rights of prisoners and victims of police misconduct. Since then, his practice has turned toward protecting the rights of all people. Representative clients include, public service, such as police, firefighters, correctional officers, and other civil servants, all aspects of education, including provosts, deans, professors, principals, teachers, students, and custodians. Laborers, including, factory workers, food service workers, railroad workers, office workers. truck drivers, casino workers Professionals, including, executives, doctors, nurses, hospital workers, pharmacists, lab technicians, lawyers, engineers, computer programmers, scientists, social workers and many others. When people fall victim to wrongful employment practices such as racial discrimination, sexual discrimination, retaliation and whistleblowing activities, Zeff Law Firm is there to help. Zeff has picked juries and jury trials in 3 states. He works extensively in the New Jersey State and Federal Courts as well as the Pennsylvania State and Federal Courts mostly on behalf of plaintiffs in civil rights and employment litigation. Gregg L. Zeff is the sole shareholder of the Zeff Law Firm, LLC. As a graduate of Delaware Law School of Widener University, he has earned a reputation in New Jersey as an experienced, aggressive representative who is there for his clients when they need support. When you face unlawful treatment you can trust Zeff Law Firm to help you fully understand the legal options you have available for your case. As an affiliate of numerous community groups and committees including NAACPNJ, Legal Redress Chair, State of New Jersey NAACP, Legal Redress Chair, Pennsylvania State Conference, President, Social Justice Law Project, New Jersey Criminal Sentencing, and Disposition Commission Member, Gregg L. Zeff understands how to help enforce lawful behavior and protect human rights., Howard H. Berchtold, Jr., Trial Court Administrator (Moderator), Howard Berchtold is the Trial Court Administrator for the Superior Court of New Jersey, Atlantic and Cape May Counties, a judicial district of both limited and general jurisdiction, with 44 judges and 525 plus staff members, serving in this capacity since 2006. As the highest-ranking staff executive, Mr. Berchtold overseas all court operations, including financial management, human resources, information systems, case management, probation services, jury utilization, facilities, equipment, records management, community outreach and statistical analysis. Beginning his judiciary career in 1981, Mr. Berchtold held numerous positions in the same district, including Jury Manager, Municipal Division Manager, and Assistant Trial Court Administrator. Mr. Berchtold has served on various statewide committees and boards over the years. Among them are the Strategic Planning Committee for State Unification, the Task Force for Municipal Court Improvement, the Municipal Court Administrator Certification Board, the Advisory Group on Self-Representation, Access and Fairness Committee and the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Currently, he sits on the Judicial Council’s Budget & Planning Committee, the Judiciary’s Administrative Council, the Council’s Education and Training Committee, the Hiring Review Board, and the Drug Court Advisory Committee. Mr. Berchtold is a former faculty member of Widener University Law Center, served on the Board of Advisors for the University’s Court Administration Certification Program, and currently sits on the Advisory Board for Criminal Justice Graduate Studies at The Richard Stockton University of New Jersey. He is a 1986 Fellow of the Institute for Court Management and is the 2012 recipient of the ICM Fellows Star Award. Serving on the Institute’s faculty for over 25 years, he is certified faculty for caseflow management and also is a Facilitator/Faculty member for the Fellows Masters class. He is currently a member of the ICM Advisory Council. Starting in 2019, he has served as faculty for the District of Columbia Courts Management Training Program. An active member of the Mid-Atlantic Association for Court Management since its inception, Mr. Berchtold served as President in 2008. He is also an active member of the National Association for Court Management, often honored to present at their annual conferences. Most recently, Mr. Berchtold has become active with the National Association of Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers. In 2019, Mr. Berchtold was honored to be inducted into the Warren E. Burger Society. Fourth Panel, Andrew J. Bruck, Acting Attorney General, Andrew J. Bruck was appointed by Governor Philip D. Murphy as Acting Attorney General in July 2021. He joined the Office of the Attorney General in January 2018 and served as Executive Assistant AG and then First Assistant AG. Previously, Bruck spent five years at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Newark, New Jersey and held several roles in the office of U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, including Senior Counsel and Acting Chief of Staff. Before that, Bruck worked as a litigation associate in the New York office of Davis Polk& Wardwell and clerked for Chief Justice Stuart Rabner of the New Jersey Supreme Court. A graduate of Princeton University and Stanford Law School, Bruck is a New Jersey native who currently resides in Trenton with his husband Adam and daughter Libby. Bruck is the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as New Jersey’s chief law enforcement officer. Since assuming office, Acting Attorney General Bruck has prioritized three initiatives: Racial Justice Gun Violence Policing Policy, Hon. Glenn A. Grant, Administrative Director of the Courts, The Honorable Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D., was appointed by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner as Director of the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts on September 1, 2008. Under the leadership and direction of the Chief Justice, he provides the day-today management of the court system. He collaborates with the Chief Justice to oversee a court staff of 9,000+ employees, including 460 Superior Court Judges. He is also responsible for overseeing the state municipal courts, comprised of approximately 350 municipal judges and 2,500 administrative staff. The Administrative Director is a constitutional position and Judge Grant is the eighth person to hold the position and the first minority appointed to lead the New Jersey court system. He joined the bench in 1998, serving as a Family Judge in the Essex vicinage. Prior to the appointment to his current position, Judge Grant served as Presiding Judge of the Family Part. He was temporarily assigned by former Chief Justice Poritz to serve as Acting Chief Judge of the Newark Municipal Court in order to address management and other operational issues. As Administrative Director, Judge Grant serves as a member of the Judicial Council, the policy-making body of the New Jersey Courts. He also chairs or is a member of several New Jersey Supreme Court committees, including the Advisory Committee on Access and Fairness and the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Judge Grant has recently chaired the Working Group on Municipal Courts and the Judiciary Special Committee on Landlord Tenant. He currently serves as Chair of the Judiciary Opportunities for Building Success (“JOBS”) program. Prior to his judicial career, Judge Grant served as corporation counsel and business administrator for the City of Newark. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Lehigh University and his law degree from Catholic University. He studied Executive Management at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of government., Alexander Shalom, ACLU of New Jersey, Alexander Shalom is Senior Supervising Attorney and Director of Supreme Court Advocacy at the ACLU-NJ. Alex primarily litigates cases on issues that disproportionately impact people of color. He appears in state and federal trial and appellate courts on cases addressing a wide range of issues. He has appeared more than seventy times before the New Jersey Supreme Court on cases focusing on issues including pretrial justice, the right to counsel, sentencing, search and seizure, and public access to police records. As Director of Supreme Court Advocacy, he oversees the ACLU-NJ’s work before the State Supreme Court, where they appear more often than any other non-governmental organization. Before joining the ACLU-NJ, Alex worked as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender in Essex County. Prior to that, he served as capital cases clerk for Hon. Deborah J. Poritz, Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.    , Lee A. Solomon, Associate Justice (Moderator), Lee A. Solomon, Esquire is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. He was nominated by Governor Christopher J. Christie and confirmed by the Senate on June 19, 2014. Prior to being appointed, Lee served as the Assignment Judge of the Camden County, New Jersey, Superior Court, in which he was also nominated by Governor Christie and confirmed by the Senate to return to the bench on December 15, 2011, and initially was assigned to hear cases in the Civil Division. He was Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division before becoming the Assignment Judge. Lee spent two years, between February 2010, and December 2011, as President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and a member of Governor Christie’s Cabinet. The BPU has jurisdiction over utility rates and facilities, and works to ensure consumer access to safe, reliable, and efficient services at reasonable costs. Before serving as BPU President, Lee had been a Camden County Superior Court Judge. He was appointed by Acting Governor, Senate President, Richard J. Cody, confirmed by the Senate, and sworn in as a member of the Court on January 13, 2006. He began in the Family Division before being assigned to the Criminal Division. Previously, Lee served as the Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern Vicinages, District of New Jersey. On June 4, 2002, he was sworn in by Christopher J. Christie, U.S. Attorney, District of New Jersey. Lee led the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Camden and Trenton. He managed a staff of forty-seven Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support personnel. The office handled approximately 950 cases per year. Prior to his appointment to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lee served five years as the Camden County Prosecutor and one year as Acting Prosecutor. In this position, he directed an office with a staff of more than 260 and the State’s third largest caseload. During that time, Lee served on the Board of the National District Attorneys Association and as Chairperson of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. In November of 1998, the New Jersey Attorney General appointed Lee as the Monitor of the Camden City Police Department. He then reorganized the 390 member force and continued its supervision until leaving the post of Camden County Prosecutor. Before his prosecutorial appointment, Lee served five years in the New Jersey General Assembly. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Environmental Quality Committee and as a member of the Assembly Policy & Rules Committee. In addition, Lee served as Vice-Chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Law and Public Safety Committee, and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice. Earlier, Lee served two years as a member of the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders. As Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Freeholder Board, Lee Solomon wrote the first budget that reduced the tax rate for county taxpayers. Lee also was the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, which was responsible for the Camden County Park Police and the Fire Marshal’s Office. From 1986 to 1994, Lee served as a member of the Haddon Heights Borough Council. Fifth Panel, Hon. Edward J. McBride, Jr., P.J.Cr.,   Edward J. McBride, Jr., was appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey and began his service on the bench in Camden County on February 1, 2010. He served in the Criminal Division until September 1, 2011, when he began serving in the Family Division. On November 20, 2013, he was assigned again to the Criminal Division and designated as Presiding Judge. Judge McBride currently chairs the Conference of Criminal Presiding Judges. He chaired the Supreme Court Committee on Criminal Practice during its 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 terms and served as the co-chair of the Working Group on Juror Impartiality.  , Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, Camelia M. Valdes is the Passaic County Prosecutor. When Ms. Valdes was nominated on May 16, 2009 by Governor Jon S. Corzine and confirmed by the New Jersey State Legislature, she became the first Latina county prosecutor in the State of New Jersey, the first woman prosecutor in Passaic County, and the first lead prosecutor of Dominican ancestry in the United States. As the chief law enforcement official in Passaic County, Ms. Valdes is responsible for the management of approximately 185 assistant prosecutors, detectives, victim advocates and support staff, a $20 million office budget and the oversight of 16 municipal police departments, the police departments of William Paterson and Montclair State Universities and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Valdes is a career prosecutor. She served as a Municipal Prosecutor in the City of Newark, a Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, an Assistant Governor’s Counsel to Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco, and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark. Her experience has ranged from investigating and prosecuting municipal offenses to complex federal crimes that included human trafficking, health care fraud, financial offenses, and violent crimes. Born to Dominican parents in the Bronx and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Ms. Valdes is a product of the Newark Public Schools. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Seton Hall University in 1993, her law degree from Rutgers Law School-Newark in 1996 and her LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University in May 2001. As the proud mother of two teenagers with autism, Isabela and Elsa, ages 17 and 15, Ms. Valdes endeavors to raise awareness about autism., Hon. Hany A. Mawla, J.A.D. (Moderator), Hany A. Mawla is a Judge of the Appellate Division. He was formerly the Presiding Judge of the Family Division for Vicinage XIII Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties and the Civil and Supervising Judge for the Special Civil Part for Vicinage XIII. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Mawla was a partner in the litigation department of the law firm of Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP. He is the Chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee, Vice-Chair of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Access and Fairness, a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Family Practice Committee and Chair of its dissolution subcommittee. He has lectured for the New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the New Jersey Association for Justice, and the New Jersey Judicial College. Judge Mawla received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, and an Honorary Degree from Raritan Valley Community College where he was a lecturer. He received the Justice Thurgood Marshall Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the New Jersey State Bar Association. Judge Mawla is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.   Sixth Panel, Hon. Robert M. Brutinel, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Arizona, Chief Justice Brutinel became Chief Justice on July 1, 2019. He was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court in November of 2010 and was elected as Vice Chief Justice in January 2018. Prior to his appointment, Justice Brutinel served as the Presiding Judge of the Yavapai County Superior Court, where he presided over cases involving civil, criminal, juvenile, mental health, drug court, probate and domestic relations matters. Justice Brutinel currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices and has served on the Arizona Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Courts, the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Technology, the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct, the Supreme Court Arizona Judicial Council, the Arizona Character Education Commission, and the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. Justice Brutinel is a past president of the Arizona Judges Association and the Yavapai County Bar Association and has served as an Advisory Board Member for the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. In 2010 Justice Brutinel was chosen as the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Judge of the Year. Justice Brutinel graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Economics in 1979. He received his law degree from the University of Arizona in 1982 and an LL.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke University in 2018. Justice Brutinel was admitted to practice law in Arizona in 1982. Prior to serving as a judge he practiced law in Prescott, Arizona, primarily in the areas of business and real estate, and Indian Law., Hon. Steven C. González, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Washington, Chief Justice Steven C. González was sworn in as the Supreme Court’s 58th Chief Justice on January 11, 2021. He was appointed to the court effective January 1, 2012, and subsequently won two contested races for six-year terms starting in 2013 and 2019. Before joining the Supreme Court, Chief Justice González served for ten years as a trial judge on the King County Superior Court hearing criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law cases. Passionate about access to justice, he has served on several boards and commissions coordinating access to justice efforts across Washington state. He served as Chair of the Supreme Court’s Interpreter Commission for eight years, supporting efforts to enhance language access across the state, including amendments to general rules that address remote interpreting as courts respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and set protocols for team interpreting. Chief Justice González’s work has earned him numerous awards and honors including, the “2022 Spirit of Excellence Award” from the American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession; the "2012 Difference Makers Award" from the American Bar Association’s Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division, the Justice CZ Smith Trailblazer Award and the Exceptional Member Award from the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, and "Judge of the Year" awards from the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Asian Bar Association of Washington in 2011. Chief Justice González earned a J.D. from U.C. Berkeley School of Law and Honorary Doctor of Laws Degrees from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2011 and the University of Puget Sound in 2015., Hon. Richard A. Robinson, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Connecticut, The Honorable Richard A. Robinson was born December 10, 1957 in Stamford, Connecticut. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut in 1979 and a Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University School of Law in 1984. He was admitted to the West Virginia Bar and the Connecticut Bar, and is a member of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia and the U.S. District Court, Connecticut. From 1985 - 1988, Justice Robinson was Staff Counsel for the City of Stamford Law Department. In 1988, he became Assistant Corporation Counsel in Stamford where he remained until his appointment as a Judge of the Superior Court in 2000. He remained a Superior Court Judge for the next seven years during which time he served as Presiding Judge (Civil) for the New Britain Judicial District (May 2003 - September 2006); Presiding Judge (Civil) and Assistant Administrative Judge for the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District (September 2006 - September 2007); and Presiding Judge (Civil) for the Stamford Judicial District (September 2007 - December 2007). He was appointed as a Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court on December 10, 2007, a Justice of the Supreme Court on December 19, 2013 and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on May 3, 2018. Justice Robinson’s career is complemented by an array of public and judicial service. He served as President of the Stamford Branch of the NAACP (1988-1990); General Counsel for the Connecticut Conference of the NAACP (1988 - 2000); President of the Assistant Corporation Counsel’s Union (AFSCME) (1989 - 2000); Commissioner of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (1997 - 2000); Chair of the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (1999 - 2000); New Haven Inn of Court member (2002 - present); Judicial Education Curriculum Committee member (2002 - 2014); Judicial Education Committee member (2003 - 2014); Faculty at several Judicial Institutes as well as spring and fall lectures (2003 - present); Civil Commission member (2005 - 2014); Court Annexed Mediator (2005 - 2014); Lawyers Assistance Advisory Board member (2007 - present); Bench-Bar Foreclosure Committee (2007 - 2014); Legal Internship Committee (2013 - 2017); Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency (2009-present); Chairperson of the Rules Committee (2017- present); Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Award (2010); Connecticut Bar Association's Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award for Integrity (2017); NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut; Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows, Life Fellow; Discovering Amistad National Advisory Board; Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities’ Alvin W. Penn Award for Excellence in Leadership (2018); Ebony Magazine Power 100 Award (2018); Quinnipiac School of Law Black Student Association Thurgood Marshall Award (2019); ABOTA Judicial Excellence Award (2019); Connecticut Bar Foundation Distinguished Service Award (2020); National Board of Directors of the Conference of Chief Justices (2019 - present); Conference of Chief Justices Civil Justice Board of Directors (2020 - present); National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness (2020 - present)., Hon. Stuart Rabner, Chief Justice (Moderator), Chief Justice Stuart Rabner was sworn into office on June 29, 2007 after being nominated by Governor Jon S. Corzine and confirmed by the Senate. He is the eighth Chief Justice to lead the New Jersey Supreme Court since the 1947 Constitution. Born on June 30, 1960, Chief Justice Rabner was raised in Passaic. He graduated summa cum laude from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in 1982. He graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1985. He was a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Dickinson R. Debevoise before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office in Newark in 1986. After beginning his career as an assistant U.S. attorney, Chief Justice Rabner worked in a number of positions including first assistant U.S. attorney and chief of the terrorism unit. He was chief of the office's criminal division when he was named chief counsel to Governor Corzine in January 2006. He was named New Jersey attorney general in September 2006 and served in that position until his nomination to the Court. Chief Justice Rabner and his wife, the former Deborah Wiener, have three children. Endnote, Hon. Morris Hoffman, Colorado State District Court Judge (Ret.),   Morris Hoffman was a district judge in the state of Colorado from February 1991 through his retirement in May 2021. During the course of his 30 years on the bench, he sat in each of his court’s three divisions (divorce, civil, and criminal), acting as the presiding judge for many years in the civil and criminal divisions. In addition to innumerable civil bench trials, he presided over a total of 426 civil and felony criminal jury trials. He also presided over the Denver statutory grand jury for more than 10 years. He was a member of the Colorado Supreme Court’s Multidistrict Litigation Panel for 18 years, and served as its chair the last 8 years. He was also a member of the Colorado Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure for 20 years. He has taught jury history and selection, law and the biology of human nature, and law and neuroscience at the law schools at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and the University of Denver. He is a member of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Research Network on Law and Neuroscience, and a research fellow at the Gruter Institute for Law and Behavioral Research. He has published dozens of law review articles in the areas of criminal law, the jury, jurisprudence, and law and neuroscience, as well as several science papers focusing on the neuroscience of punishment. He has also published several law-related op-eds in national newspapers, including The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. His book, The Punisher’s Brain: An Evolutionary History of Judge and Jury, was published in 2014 by the Cambridge University Press as part of the Cambridge Studies in Economics, Choice and Society. He lives in Denver with his wife Kate. They have two grown sons, two granddaughters, and a new black dog., Case Law, Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986) Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79 (1986) State v. Gilmore, 195 N.J. Super. 163 (App. Div. 1984) State v. Gilmore, 195 N.J. Super. 163 (App. Div. 1984) State v. Gilmore, 103 N.J. 508 (1986) (reprinted from Westlaw with permission of Thomson Reuters) State v. Gilmore, 199 N.J. Super. 389, 394 (App. Div. 1985), aff'd, 103 N.J. 508 (1986) State v. Gilmore, 103 N.J. 508 (1986) (reprinted from Westlaw with permission of Thomson Reuters) State v. Gilmore, 103 N.J. 508 (1986) (reprinted from Westlaw with permission of Thomson Reuters) State v. Edwin Andujar State v. Andujar, 247 N.J. 275 (2021) State v. Wildemar A. Dangcil State v. Dangcil, ___ N.J. ___ (2021), Additional Resources, April J. Anderson, Peremptory Challenges at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century: Development of Modern Jury Selection Strategies as Seen in Practitioners’ Trial Manuals Peremptory Challenges at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century: Development of Modern Jury Selection Strategies as Seen in Practitioners’ Trial Manuals , 14 Stan. J. C.R. & C.L. 1 (2020) Hon. Mark W. Bennett Unraveling the Gordian Knot of Implicit Bias in Jury Selection: The Problem of Judge-Dominated Voir Dire, the Failed Promise of Batson, and Proposed Solutions Unraveling the Gordian Knot of Implicit Bias in Jury Selection: The Problem of Judge-Dominated Voir Dire, the Failed Promise of Batson, and Proposed Solutions , 4 Harv. L. & Pol’y Rev. 149 (2010) Nina W. Chernoff, No Records; No Right: Discovery & the Fair Cross-Section Guarantee No Records; No Right: Discovery & the Fair Cross-Section Guarantee , 101 Iowa L.R. 1719 Hon. James H. Coleman, Jr., The Evolution of Race in the Jury Selection Process The Evolution of Race in the Jury Selection Process , 48 Rutgers L. Rev. 1105 (1996) Aliza Plener Cover, Hybrid Jury Strikes Hybrid Jury Strikes , 52 Harv. C.R.-C.L. L. Rev. 357 (2017) (posted with permission of the Harvard Civil Rights – Civil Liberties Law Review). Whitney DeCamp and Elise DeCamp, It’s Still About Race: Peremptory Challenge Use on Black Prospective Jurors It’s Still About Race: Peremptory Challenge Use on Black Prospective Jurors , J. of Res. in Crim. and Delinq. 57 (2020) available at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022427819873943 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022427819873943 Daniel Edwards, Daniel Edwards, The Evolving Debate Over Batson’s Procedures for Peremptory Challenges, National Association of Attorneys The Evolving Debate Over Batson’s Procedures for Peremptory Challenges , National Association of Attorneys General (Apr. 14, 2020), Ann M. Eisenberg, Removal of Women and African Americans in Jury Selection in South Carolina Capital Cases , 1997-2012 , 9 Ne. U. L. Rev. 299 (2017) Roger Enriquez & John W. Clark III, Roger Enriquez & John W. Clark III, The Social Psychology of Peremptory Challenges: An Examination of Latino Jurors, 13 Tex. Hisp. J. L. & Pol’y 25 (2007). As originally published in Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy. The Social Psychology of Peremptory Challenges: An Examination of Latino Jurors , 13 Tex. Hisp. J. L. & Pol’y 25 (2007). As originally published in Texas Hispanic Journal of Law & Policy. Equal Justice Initiative Resources Equal Justice Initiative Resources Equal Justice Initiative, Illegal Racial Discrimination in Jury Selection: A Continuing Legacy (2010) available at Equal Justice Initiative, Illegal Racial Discrimination in Jury Selection: A Continuing Legacy (2010) https://eji.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/illegal-racial-discrimination-in-jury-selection.pdf Equal Justice Initiative, Race and the Jury: Illegal Discrimination in Jury Selection (2021) available at Equal Justice Initiative, Race and the Jury: Illegal Discrimination in Jury Selection (2021) https://eji.org/report/race-and-the-jury/ Catherine M. Grosso & Barbara O’Brien  Catherine M. Grosso & Barbara O’Brien A Stubborn Legacy: The Overwhelming Importance of Race in Jury Selection in 173 Post-Batson North Carolina Capital Trials, A Stubborn Legacy: The Overwhelming Importance of Race in Jury Selection in 173 Post-Batson North Carolina Capital Trials , 97 Iowa L. Rev. 1531 (2012). Hon. Morris B. Hoffman,  Hon. Morris B. Hoffman, Peremptory Challenges Should Be Abolished: A Trial Judge’s Perspective, 64 U. Chi. L. Rev. 809 (1997) (Originally appearing in the University of Chicago Law Review, 64 U. Chi. L. Rev. 809. Reprinted with permission from the University of Chicago Law Review and the University of Chicago Law School.) Peremptory Challenges Should Be Abolished: A Trial Judge’s Perspective , 64  U. Chi. L. Rev.  809 (1997) (Originally appearing in the  University of Chicago Law Review , 64 U. Chi. L. Rev. 809. Reprinted with permission from the  University of Chicago Law Review  and the University of Chicago Law School.) Liz McCurry Johnson,  Liz McCurry Johnson, Accessing Jury Selection Data in a Pre-Digital Environment, 41 Am. J. Trial Advoc. 45 (2017). Accessing Jury Selection Data in a Pre-Digital Environment , 41 Am. J. Trial Advoc. 45 (2017). Jerry Kang et. al.,  Implicit Bias in the Courtroom , 59  UCLA L. Rev.  1124 (2012). Originally published by the UCLA Law Review; available at  https://www.uclalawreview.org/implicit-bias-in-the-courtroom-2/ . Jerry Kang,  Jerry Kang, Trojan Horses of Race, 118 Harv. L. Rev. 1489 (2005). Trojan Horses of Race , 118  Harv. L. Rev.  1489 (2005). Jerry Kang,  Jerry Kang Judges Implicit Bias What Judges Can Do About Implicit Bias , 57  Court Review  78, © Jerry Kang. Jerry Kang,  Jerry Kang Judges Implicit Bias Evidence What Judges Can Do About Implicit Bias: Evidence-Based Recommendations and Practices , © Jerry Kang. Justin D. Levinson,  Forgotten Racial Equality: Implicit Bias, Decisionmaking, and Misremembering Forgotten Racial Equality: Implicit Bias, Decisionmaking, and Misremembering , 57  Duke L.J.  435 (2007). Nancy S. Marder,  Nancy S. Marder, Justice Stevens Peremptory Challenge Justice Stevens, the Peremptory Challenge, and the Jury , 74  Fordham L. Rev.  1683 (2006). Hon. Theodore McMillian & Christopher J. Petrini,  Batson v. Kentucky: A Promise Unfulfilled   Batson v. Kentucky: A Promise Unfulfilled , 58  UMKC L. Rev.  361, 362 (1990). Kenneth J. Melilli,  Kenneth J. Melilli, Batson in Practice: What We Have Learned about Batson and Peremptory Challenges, 71 Notre Dame L. Rev. 447 (1996). Batson in Practice: What We Have Learned about Batson and Peremptory Challenges , 71  Notre Dame L. Rev.  447 (1996). Caren Myers Morrison,  Negotiating Peremptory Challenges , 104  J. Crim. L. & Criminology  1 (2014). New Jersey Judiciary Bench Manual on Jury Selection (2014) New Jersey Judiciary Bench Manual on Jury Selection (2014) Jeffrey J. Rachlinski et al.,  Does Unconscious Racial Bias Affect Trial Judges?, Does Unconscious Racial Bias Affect Trial Judges ? , 84  Notre Dame L. Rev.  1195 (2009). Vol. 84 NOTRE DAME LAW REVIEW, Page 1195 (2009). Reprinted with permission. © Notre Dame Law Review, University of Notre Dame. Report of the Special Supreme Court Committee on Peremptory Challenges and Jury Voir Dire (2005) Report of the Special Supreme Court Committee on Peremptory Challenges and Jury Voir Dire (2005) Mary Rose, Mary Rose, Final Report on New Jersey’s Empirical Study of Jury Selection Practices and Jury Representativeness (2021)   Final Report on New Jersey’s Empirical Study of Jury Selection Practices and Jury Representativeness  (2021) Mary R. Rose et al.,  Jury Pool Underrepresentation in the Modern Era: Evidence from Federal Courts: Jury Pool Underrepresentation in the Modern Era Jury Pool Underrepresentation in the Modern Era: Evidence from Federal Courts: Jury Pool Underrepresentation in the Modern Era , 15  J. of Empirical Legal Stud.  1 (2018). Hans Zeisel & Shari Seidman Diamond,  The Effect of Peremptory Challenges on Jury and Verdict: An Experiment in a Federal District Court, The Effect of Peremptory Challenges on Jury and Verdict: An Experiment in a Federal District Court , 30  Stan. L. Rev.  491 (1978)., Public Comments  , Comment Number, Date of Comment, Name of Commenter, (including law firm or other affiliation) Comment 001 10/28/2021 NJ Civil Justice Institute, by Anthony M Anastasio, Esq, President NJ Civil Justice Institute, by Anthony M Anastasio, Esq, President Comment 002 10/28/2021 Essex County Bar Association, by Eileen O'Connor, Esq, President Essex County Bar Association, by Eileen O'Connor, Esq, President Comment 003 10/28/2021 Berkeley Law Clinical Program, by Professor Elisabeth Semel Berkeley Law Clinical Program, by Professor Elisabeth Semel Comment 004 10/31/2021 Richard Gabriel, Decision Analysis, Inc. Richard Gabriel, Decision Analysis, Inc. Comment 005 11/02/2021 Middlesex County Bar Association, by Edward Testino, Esq, President Middlesex County Bar Association, by Edward Testino, Esq, President Comment 006 11/03/2021 Dr. Leslie Ellis, The Caissa Group LLC and Immediate Past President of the American Society of Trial Consultants Dr. Leslie Ellis, The Caissa Group LLC and Immediate Past President of the American Society of Trial Consultants Comment 007 11/05/2021 American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, by Senior Staff Attorney Karen Thompson American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, by Senior Staff Attorney Karen Thompson Comment 008 11/05/2021 New Jersey State Bar Association New Jersey State Bar Association Comment 009 11/08/2021 Retired Assignment Judge Alvin Weiss Retired Assignment Judge Alvin Weiss Comment 010 10/27/2021 NJ Public Defender Joseph Krakora NJ Public Defender Joseph Krakora Comment 011 11/10/2021 New Jersey Association for Justice New Jersey Association for Justice Comment 012 11/09/2021 Somerset County Bar Association Somerset County Bar Association Comment 013 11/12/2021 New Jersey Institute for Social Justice New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Comment 014 11/12/2021 NJ Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck NJ Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck Comment 015 11/15/2021 Warren County Bar Association Warren County Bar Association Comment 016 11/12/2021 County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey Comment 017 11/16/2021 Trial Attorneys of New Jersey Trial Attorneys of New Jersey Comment 018 11/12/2021 New Jersey Defense Association New Jersey Defense Association Comment 019 11/12/2021 League of Women Voters of New Jersey League of Women Voters of New Jersey Comment 020 01/20/2022 New Jersey Civil Justice Institute New Jersey Civil Justice Institute
  • Electronic Access to Court Records, The NJ Electronic Access Program (EAP) gives subscribers remote access to certain Judiciary case systems. Users can view data related to matters filed with the trial court and use it for commercial purposes. On This Page Body, Overview, Log in The cost for EAP usage is $4 per minute. The funds are used to develop and maintain the Judicial case management systems. Free public access portals on the Judiciary website also can be used for individual case searches. The EAP makes case and judgment information available on the following case systems:, PROMIS/Gavel.,  Contains information on indictable criminal cases, from arrest through appellate review., Automated Case Management System (ACMS).,  The caseload management and recordkeeping system for civil cases in Superior Court. Included: (a) Law Division – Civil and Special Civil Parts (b) Chancery Division – General Equity and Foreclosure (c) Archival Management Information System (AMIS) for cases no longer active with ACMS., Civil Judgment and Order Docket.,  Contains statewide lien judgments from 1984 to the present., Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS).,  The caseload management and recordkeeping system to support the Superior Court Family Part. Electronic access is available for divorce cases only., Automated Traffic System (ATS).,  The statewide traffic and parking ticket system used by all New Jersey municipal courts. ATS does not contain driver history information . The EAP lets users read one screen of data at a time. Users cannot download data to their remote computer. The EAP also does not support “screen-scraping.” Subscribers can search cases by docket number, judgment number, or party name. Available case information includes: A list of documents filed in the case Orders entered Proceedings scheduled Motioned dispositions Names and status of each litigant, such as active, defaulted, or settled Attorneys involved in the case Case information excludes actual text or images of filed documents. The information is ”real-time” only. Users can view a new case or document as soon as it is entered into the system., Enrollment, If you do not have a  Judiciary Account Charge System Judiciary Account Charge System (JACS) account , you must create an account before enrolling in EAP. To enroll in EAP, complete the  EAP - Subscriber Agreement subscriber agreement  and  EAP - Enrollment Form subscriber enrollment forms . Mail the completed forms to:" Electronic Access Program, EAP, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 971 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Once enrolled, the subscriber will receive their EAP system logon ID and password via e-mail. Use the customer update form or the customer cancellation form to change your subscription information.  Email the form to   PublicAccess.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Begin the email subject line with “EAP"., Payment, The EAP charges $4 per minute. Charges start when you connect to the Judiciary system. The charges stop when you disconnect. The Judiciary automatically withdraws user fees from subscribers’ JACS account each time the system is used. No prior notice is given. Subscribers must always have a minimum balance of $300 in their JACS account. The system automatically checks their JACS account before granting them access. If their balance is less than $300, the system will deny access and show the following error message:, [Error Message DC906426]. ACCOUNT NOT ACTIVE CALL SUPERIOR COURT CLERK’S OFFICE, (ELECTRONIC ACCESS PROGRAM) , 609-421-6100, ., Subscribers also receive a monthly statement of JACS charges. A summary report of charges accrued during the month appears on the monthly “Statement of Account.” The Clerk of the Superior Court reserves the right to change the required deposit amount in the future. The EAP lets users enter client identifiers when accessing the Automated Case Management System (ACMS). The monthly statement summarizes use charges by client identifier. Any charges not identified by client identifier will appear as undistributed usage. See an example of the monthly  JACS Statement Sample Statement of Account .  Refer to the user guides below for more information about these case management systems: ACMS Manual Civil Automated Case Management System (ACMS) Civil Judgment and Order Docket Civil Judgment and Order Docket Family Automated Case Tracking System Manual Family Automated Case Tracking System (FACTS) Automated Traffic System (ATS) Automated Traffic System (ATS) The Superior Court Clerk's Office supports the EAP. For all questions or concerns, call   or email . Begin the email subject line with “EAP” followed by the subject of the email., Technical Requirements, NJ EAP system requires an Intel/AMD based system running Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10. All operating systems should have the most current Microsoft critical patches applied. The system requires the web browser Internet Explorer version 11. Industry standard virus protection should be enabled, with the latest updates applied. Internet connection speed varies from different vendors and subscriptions. Connectivity to the EAP has been tested through standard DSL and Cable Internet connections with adequate results., Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Access Program, What are the hours of EAP access? The Judiciary provides EAP access around (16) hours per day, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, (7) days per week. However, uninterrupted access is not guaranteed, and time periods of accessibility may vary. See EAP - Subscriber Agreement "Availability" section of the Subscriber Agreement for more information., NOTE, : The Judiciary is working to expand access so that the system is available 24/7, except for periods of a daily forced logoff (11:45 PM – 12:15 AM) and when the system is unavailable due to routine maintenance. How much does it cost to participate in the Electronic Access Program (EAP)? Usage cost is $4.00 per minute. What information do I get when I subscribe to the EAP? Subscribers have inquiry access to the following: Appellate Division cases Automated Traffic System (ATS) Chancery Division – General Equity and Foreclosure cases Civil Judgment and Order Docket statewide lien judgments Family Part divorce cases Law Division--Civil and Special Civil Part cases What do I do if I forget my EAP logon password? Email Superior Court Clerk's Office Customer Service at PublicAccess.Mailbox@njcourts.gov . Customer Service staff will never ask you for your current password. Ensure that your User ID and password are always protected from unauthorized use. The subscriber accepts responsibility for any unauthorized use of their User ID(s) and password(s). How do I pay for EAP usage? Subscribers pay for usage through a Judiciary Attorney Charge System (JACS) account. See Judiciary Account Charge System (JACS) (JACS) Account page for details on opening an account., Personal credit cards are not accepted, . Can I get copies of pleadings from the EAP case information system? No, this is an inquiry system containing case processing information such as case type, a listing of documents filed, etc. The system does not contain images of the actual filed documents. You can screen-print the information that is provided, such as the docket sheet. Who should I contact if I have questions or problems regarding my EAP? Contact , EAP, at PublicAccess.Mailbox@njcourts.gov at 609-421-6100  for questions or concerns regarding enrollment, billing, or problems experienced during use. What’s the minimum balance required in my JACS account? You must maintain a balance of $500.00 in your JACS account. Is the information in the Electronic Access System downloadable? No, the information displayed on screen is printed only. How will I know if my JACS account balance is below $500.00? The Electronic Access Program will automatically check the subscriber's account balance prior to granting access to the system. If the account balance is less than $500.00, the message, "DC906426 ACCOUNT NOT ACTIVE CALL SUPERIOR COURT CLERK'S OFFICE, ELECTRONIC ACCESS PROGRAM, 609-421-6100 " will be displayed and access to the Electronic Access Program will be denied. The subscriber is responsible for tracking the account balance to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of funds available and access to EAP is not unexpectedly denied. Will I be able to gather EAP case information data by 'screen-scraping'? The Electronic Access Program was not designed to support 'screen-scraping'. When do EAP usage charges begin to accrue? After logging into the Judiciary computer and reaching the “Teleview Session Manager Screen.”
  • Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Discover what you need to stay up-to-date on CLE requirements, Supreme Court Board on Continuing Legal Education, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Floor 8- North Wing P.O. Box 965 - 08625-0965 Trenton, New Jersey 08625 Phone:: 609-815-2930 SCTCLE.mailbox@njcourts.gov Approved Courses Catalog New CLE requirement effective January 1, 2027 - Technology-Related Subjects: Notice and Order – Continuing Legal Education – Amendments to Court Rule (R. 1:42-1) and to CLE Regulations (Regulations 103:1 and 201:1) to Add Technology-Related Subjects as a New CLE Requirement | NJ Courts CLE Requirement effective January 1, 2024: Newly admitted New Jersey attorneys required to meet the newly admitted attorney requirement must take 16 total credits in a minimum of 6 New Jersey new admit subject areas.  A minimum of one credit must be taken in New Jersey attorney trust & business accounting fundamentals.   Notice - New Jersey Attorney 2026 Electronic Registration and Payment Requirements and Updates; No-Cost CLE Training Mandatory Electronic Attorney Registration GROUP 1 ATTORNEYS (BIRTH MONTH JANUARY THROUGH JUNE) ARE DUE TO REPORT COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (CLE) REQUIREMENT DURING THE 2026 ATTORNEY REGISTRATION PROCESS. Pursuant to BCLE Reg. 402:1, attorneys who report that they have not completed the CLE requirement by 12/31/2025 will be assessed a $50 noncompliance fee and given a grace period until 06/26/2026 to complete their CLE requirement. Upon completion of the CLE credits, they MUST return to this on-line registration system to report final compliance on or before 06/26/2026. After the expiration of the grace period, attorneys can no longer report CLE compliance through the on-line registration system. Those who fail to complete and/or report CLE compliance by the expiration of the grace period will be assessed an additional $50 noncompliance fee, for a total of $100, and be required to submit a reporting form provided by the Board, along with documentation proving compliance. Attorneys who remain noncompliant with the CLE requirement are subject to being declared administratively ineligible to practice New Jersey law. To be removed from the CLE Ineligible List, attorneys must make up all required credits for each compliance period that they are noncompliant and pay all required fees. Effective January 1, 2024, the definition of live instruction has been amended to include certain types of alternative verifiable learning formats. Please review the Board’s Regulations for more explicit information., Members of the Board, Chair: , Peter G. Verniero, Vice Chair:, Classie M. Colinet Jeffrey Epstein H. Mark Ellis, Ph.D. Theresa A. Lyons Daniel F. O’Brien Joshua H. Reinitz Rubin Sinins Katherine E. Suell, NJSBA Representative:, Maria P. Vallejo, NJ Commission on Professionalism in the Law Representative:, James J. Uliano, Acting Administrative Director of the Courts:, Michael J. Blee or designee (ex officio), Counsel:, Wendy L. Weiss
  • Criminal Practice Division, The Criminal Practice Division develops and implements policies and best practices to advance the goals and mission of the Judiciary in areas related to criminal justice. On This Page Body Contact Information  Donna Westhoven, Assistant Director, Criminal Practice Division 609-815-2900 ext. 55300 The following statewide directories are available:  Criminal Division Presiding Judges Criminal Division Presiding Judges Criminal Division Manager Conference Contact List Criminal Division Managers Recovery Court Judges and Coordinators Contact List Recovery Court Judges and Coordinators criminal division records room County Criminal Records Rooms, Services, Visit our Self-Help Center Self-Help Center if you are representing yourself in a court matter. You can also: Learn about New Jersey's successful  Recovery Courts Recovery Court  program and how to apply. Apply for the Pretrial Intervention Pretrial Intervention Program , which helps rehabilitate first-time non-violent defendants without criminal sentencing. Copies of Court Records Request a court record  from the Superior Court Records Center. Expunging Your Court Records Expunge a court record  for certain types of criminal cases. Learn about the Supreme Court's Expungement of Marijuana or Hasish Cases automatic expungement of thousands of marijuana and hashish cases . Find information on Criminal Justice Reform Criminal Justice Reform in New Jersey., Online Tools, The Criminal Practice Division offers several online tools. You can file cases electronically, look up criminal court cases, and find legal practice resources. Key online tools: eCourts eCourts can be used by prosecutors and defense attorneys in criminal cases. The eCDR/probable cause system eCDR/probable cause system is available to courts and law enforcement personnel. Search for  Criminal Judgments Search criminal judgments. The online expungement system online expungement system can be used to file for an expungement for eligible cases. Use the Model Criminal Jury Charges Model Criminal Jury Charge System  to prepare jury charges. The Criminal Sample Verdict Sheets Criminal Sample Verdict Sheets  can be used to create verdict sheets for submission to the court. The Promis/Gavel public access sytem Promis/Gavel public access system  provides public information from the criminal case tracking system shared by the courts, the prosecutors, and law enforcement. , Forms, Find the forms needed in the criminal practice division. CN Title 10079 Main Plea Form (Plea 01) 10080 Supplemental Plea Form for Certain Sexual Offenses: Megan’s Law/Parole Supervision for Life/Community Supervision for Life (Plea 05) 10197 Written Acknowledgement - Notice of Trial 10304 Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Brochure 10557 How to Expunge Your Criminal and/or Juvenile Record 10693 Application for Public Defender (5A) - for Criminal Matters 10693 Application for Public Defender (5A) - for Contempt of Domestic Violence Restraining Orders 10753 Recovery Court Application 10778 Notice of Appeal Rights and Time to File a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief Colloquy 10778 Notice of Appeal Rights and Time to File a Petition for Post-Conviction Relief Form 10837 How to Appeal a Trial Court, Tax Court or State Agency Decision 10971 Waiver of Criminal Jury Trial Pursuant to Rule 1:8-1(a) 11000 Supplemental Plea Form for Drug Offenses (Plea 06) 11077 Supplemental Plea Form for Non-Negotiated Pleas (Plea 02) 11080 Supplemental Plea Form for Sexual Offenses (Plea 03) Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to page 3 3 Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 15 of 44 items, Reports and Legal Reference, Here are some primary reference materials for criminal practice: Criminal Sample Verdict Sheets Criminal Sample Verdict Sheets Manual on NJ Sentencing Law Manual on NJ Sentencing Law NJ Rules of Evidence NJ Rules of Evidence Here are some key reports on the Criminal Practice Division. 2024 Report on Megan's Law Report of the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Report of the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice 2012 Report on Identification Model Jury Charges 2012 Report on Identification Model Jury Charges 2012 report on Identification Procedures 2012 Report on Identification Procedures 2005 Report on Recordation of Custodial Interrogations 2005 Report on Recordation of Custodial Interrogations, The Criminal Justice Process, Intake, The Superior Court criminal division manages the criminal justice process. The process begins with an initial criminal complaint and ends with resolution or disposition. A defendant is charged with a criminal offense when: Police issue a formal complaint A citizen accuses them of a crime A grand jury issues an indictment Arrests can occur at the scene of a crime or from warrants or sworn statements. All arrests need to have probable cause. This means there is reason to believe the defendant committed a crime. Complaints list the reasons for the charge reference offenses listed in the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice (Title 2C). The Superior Court hears or considers criminal offenses. A criminal conviction or guilty verdict in the Superior Court has major consequences. Punishment could include probation, fines and restitution, and imprisonment. Crimes are classified by degree from first to fourth., Degree, Potential Prison or Jail Term, First-degree 10-20 years Second-degree 5-10 years Third-degree 3-5 years Fourth-degree Up to 18 months in jail Defendants convicted of first- and second-degree crimes will probably go to prison. Third- and fourth-degree sentences might include prison or jail time, but it is not assumed. Complaints heard in municipal courts are disorderly persons offenses or petty disorderly persons. Disorderly persons offense can result in up to 6 months in jail. Petty disorderly persons offenses might result in up to 30 days in jail., First Appearance and Setting Conditions of Pretrial Release, Once a complaint is issued, a defendant is either arrested on a warrant or issued a summons to appear before a judge. This is known as a first appearance. Criminal justice reforms Criminal justice Reforms , implemented on January 1, 2017, mandate a first appearance within 48 hours of going to county jail. During the first appearance, a judge will either: Set conditions of pretrial release Order pretrial detention, or Set a bail when applicable. The judge might issue an arrest warrant if the defendant does not show up for the first appearance., Bail, Criminal justice reform Criminal justice reforms , implemented on January 1, 2017, changed how bail works in New Jersey. Bail is an option in very limited number of cases. Defendants arrested prior to 2017 can still post bail. If bail is posted, defendants are released until the charges are resolved. Bail conditions are typically set during the first appearance. Defendants might be required to: Post or deposit funds or property as a guarantee they will appear in court Give a personal bond (Forfeiting a set amount of money as promise to appear) Defendants using a personal bond might pay a bail bondsman to post funds for them. These defendants could be ordered to post a higher bail or have no bail set. They will remain in jail until the charges are resolved. If they appear in court as required, bail money should be refunded in full at the end of the case. Once defendants are released, bail is discharged to the surety. Some defendants might qualify for a Release on Own Recognizance (ROR). This applies to first time offenders and defendants with significant community ties. ROR is an affidavit certifying that they are aware of the charges and will appear to face them. When a bail is set, a Superior Court judge in the criminal division might order a bail investigation. Bail investigators collect information on the defendant's: Ties and standing in the community. Names, addresses, dates of birth. Employment, criminal record, mental health, and drug abuse history. Amenability to bail. Bail investigation reports consider how serious the crime was and how severe punishment might be if convicted. They also report on the defendant's family ties and financial status. These factors are all weighed with the likelihood the defendant will appear in court. Bail investigators report to the judge, who decides the amount and form of bail to be set, if any., Right To Counsel, All defendants have a right to an attorney. Defendants can hire a private attorney or be assigned a public defender. Private attorneys are usually either self-employed or work for private law firms that charge an hourly rate for services. When a defendant claims they cannot afford an attorney, the criminal division launches an indigence investigation. Criminal division staff investigate the defendant’s finances to determine what they can afford. Defendants are assigned a public defender or pool attorney when it is determined they cannot afford a private attorney. If the investigation reveals that a defendant can afford an attorney, the application might be denied. A criminal division judge might make the final decision to order a defendant to hire an attorney, allow pro se (self) representation, or order a defendant to consult an attorney who might take their case at a reduced rate., Pre-Indictment Events, Before indictment, the county prosecutor’s office will decide whether to pursue the case. They will decide if the charges have merit and if there is sufficient evidence. This process usually includes reviewing police reports and interviewing victims and witnesses. If there is insufficient evidence, the charges could be downgraded, sent back to municipal court or dismissed., Substance Abuse Evaluations, According to state and federal estimates, up to 70 percent of people charged with a crime were on drugs during the crime. The criminal division’s treatment assessment services for the courts (TASC) evaluates criminal defendants. Substance abuse evaluators: Interview defendants. Subject them to urine drug screening. Prepare drug assessment reports for criminal judges. The reports detail drug abuse histories and identify treatment needs. When addiction support is needed, the report recommends counseling at local drug and alcohol treatment centers. Judges can order defendants into drug or alcohol treatment as a condition of their pretrial release or probation. This program helps judges determine appropriate community support systems for defendants released from jail. Failure to complete treatment can result in sanctions, including revoking probation and a loss of liberty. For defendants with severe drug addictions, receiving court-mandated treatment becomes not only a choice between jail and community living, but one of life and death., Plea Bargains, In many cases, the prosecutor and defense attorney will negotiate a plea bargain. In a plea agreement, the prosecutor might offer a reduced sentenced in exchange for a guilty plea. In some cases, the charges are downgraded or dismissed. Maximum sentence terms could also be part of negotiated agreements. Criminal Division individual judge teams, managed by team leaders, establish a court date for the plea to be entered on record. Defendants entering a plea must sign a statement certifying they: Understand the plea. Enter into the agreement voluntarily. Were not pressured from the prosecution or their own attorney. Know judges are not bound by the agreement during sentencing. If a judge concludes that the plea bargain is too lenient, the judge can reject the plea. The judge might then order the prosecution and defense parties to renegotiate, or order the matter set down for trial. Criminal Division probation officers conduct presentence investigations when defendants plead guilty. The Criminal Practice Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts tracks all criminal cases in all counties from the time a complaint is issued to its disposition. The collected data is used to create statistical reports and monitor backlog., Pretrial Intervention Program (PTI), Pretrial Intervention is a diversionary program that permits certain defendants to avoid formal prosecution and conviction. Defendants enter a term of court supervised community living, often with counseling or other support. Criminal division managers direct the program. Probation officers investigate the history of all applicants to ensure their eligibility. Their reports aid the Criminal Division Manager Conference Contact List Criminal Division Manager and the prosecutor when deciding to recommend approval. They also assist criminal judges determine if defendants will be admitted. Defendants opting for this program apply directly to appropriate criminal division manager’s office. Admission to PTI requires the consent of the prosecutor, the criminal division manager, and the judge. Certain charges and defendants are generally not admitted. These include: Defendants charged with violent offenses. Probationers and parolees since they have prior convictions. Persons accused of racketeering or organized crime. Public officials accused of abusing their positions for personal gain. Prosecutors must be consulted before an applicant charged with a first- or second-degree crime can even be considered for PTI. The objective of PTI is to incentivize first time, non-violent offenders to rehabilitate. Defendants need to comply with conditions attached to judicial orders for PTI. These can include: Urine drug screening. A TASC evaluation on substance abuse. Participating in substance abuse or mental health counseling. Paying restitution and fines Community service Surrendering firearms or a driver’s license. Participants have criminal charges formally suspended for up to three years. Once a participant completes the program, charges are dismissed. However, if defendants fail to complete special conditions attached to their term of PTI supervision, they can be terminated from the program. Termination resumes the formal criminal process. Defendants then face indictment, trial, and, if convicted, the penalties prescribed by the Criminal Code. The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a computer registry of all PTI applicants. This ensures no one is admitted into PTI more than once. See the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Brochure Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Brochure  and Pre Trial Intervention (PTI) Application Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Application  for further information or contact your l Criminal Division Manager Conference Contact List ocal Superior Court Criminal Division . For more information, Contact your Criminal Division Manager Conference Contact List local Superior Court Criminal Division., The Grand Jury and The Indictment Process, If a criminal case has not been downgraded, diverted, or dismissed, the prosecutor will present the case to a grand jury for an indictment. The grand jury is a group of citizens selected from voter registrations, drivers’ licenses, and tax lists. It is their civic duty to serve. The grand jury considers evidence presented by the county prosecutor. They then determine if there is sufficient evidence to formally charge defendants and require them to respond to the charge(s). An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Neither the defendants nor their attorneys are present. Witnesses normally testify regarding the crime. If a majority of the 23 jurors vote to indict, the finding is a true bill that triggers further proceedings in the Criminal Division of Superior Court. If a majority finds the evidence to be insufficient, the grand jury enters a no bill, and the charge(s) are dismissed. The jury might, however, decide to charge the defendant with a less serious offense. The defendant must then appear in municipal court to face a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons charge., The Arraignment, An arraignment is the formal notification of the charges against the defendant. It occurs within 14 days of the indictment. Once notified by the criminal division, the defendant must appear before a judge for the arraignment. Defendants can apply for a public defender at this point if they do not have represented. Prior to this conference, discovery or evidence is available to defense counsel. This exchange of evidence provides the defense with an opportunity to review the evidence the prosecution intends to use. After reviewing the discovery provided prior to the arraignment, the defendant might decide to apply for Pretrial Intervention (PTI), or to enter plea bargain negotiations. Defendants can also plead guilty. Criminal division probation officers investigate cases where defendants plead guilty at the formal arraignment. Sentencing will follow the presentence investigation, generally four to six weeks after convictions., Disposition/Status Conferences and the Pretrial Conference, Defendants who have pleaded not guilty at this point can continue plea negotiations or trial preparation. Pretrial case resolutions can occur at a disposition/status conference, where a defendant can plead guilty, with or without a negotiated plea bargain. At the pretrial conference, a plea cutoff date is set, after which no further plea negotiations can occur. If no plea agreement is reached, the matter will proceed to trial. Criminal division staff track conferences to ensure that cases are moving without undue delays. The Criminal Practice Division at the Administrative Office of the Courts evaluates statistics in each criminal court to monitor the overall case movements statewide. It also assists local court staff to address backlog if it should occur., Trials, Starting on January 1, 2017, Criminal Justice Reform laws require certain speedy trial deadlines. Defendants have a constitutional right to a jury trial but can waive this right in favor of a trial by a judge. Once a case has been tried, there are two outcomes: guilty or not guilty. Normally, an acquitted person has no further obligation to the court unless they face new charges. Prosecutors cannot appeal acquittals and defendants cannot be charged twice for the same offense. Defendants who are found guilty or convicted face sentencing. Punishments are rendered by the judge who tried the case. Once a trial is concluded, the criminal judge orders a presentence investigation. The criminal division investigates all defendants who have been convicted. Judges also set a date for sentencing., Presentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing, Criminal division probation officers prepare presentence investigation reports (PSIs) for criminal judges who render sentences convicted defendants. The reports assist judges in weighing the circumstances of the crime to the severity of the sentence. The PSI provides: A uniform assessment of a defendant's overall family, medical and criminal background. A summary of the offense and circumstances. Statements from victims and their families. Assessments of drug abuse history. A convict’s amenability to probations supervision a treatment. Financial conditions of the convict since sentences involve fines and restitution. The convict’s situation and suitability for probation. Reports generally recommend either prison or probation. Judges are not bound by the probation officers’ report, but their insight is essential in the criminal sentencing process. Judges consider the degree of harm and hardship imposed on victims and their families. They will with the mitigating factors of the crime against aggravating factors, which are elements that speak to the severity of the crime. Prior criminal record weighs heavily. It indicates a defendant's potential for rehabilitation and the risk posed for another crime. In most cases, judges have some discretion or choices on sentencing convicted defendants within the parameters of the Criminal Code. This discretion might extend to whether a defendant must serve time in prison or receive a term of probation. Of course, a judge's discretion can be limited if there is a plea agreement that contains a sentencing recommendation. Some crimes, such as convictions for using a gun during a robbery, carry mandatory prison terms. The judge must sentence a defendant to prison for at least a minimum term., Post-Conviction Motions, Convicted individuals can appeal their cases to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. The Appellate Division reviews trial records and determines if the judge’s decisions in the Superior Court are fair and equitable. Defendants can file motions or requests to their sentencing judge to have sentences modified or for other relief., Teams in Criminal Division Case Processing, Criminal Division offices are organized into "teams." There are individual judge teams, where each criminal judge is assigned a team leader. Teams include: Clerical staff A court clerk A group of probation officers Investigators All team members work on the cases their trial judge will hear. Each team manages the calendar and scheduling of all court events for that judge. The team also completes PTI and PSI reports. The team provides courtroom support, computer data entry, and manages active court files and records. The teams coordinate court dates with prosecutors and public defenders, who also are assigned to the judge. Team members work in unison and one member can generally perform the work of other members. Their familiarity with each other's work and their judge improves efficiency and the overall case flow., Veterans Assistance Project, The Veterans Assistance Project (VAP) is a voluntary referral service for veterans who come in contact with the court system and who may be in need of veterans services from their local veterans service office. The goal is to acquire services and support to improve the quality of life for the men, women, and families who have made sacrifices in the defense of the United States. Available services can include mental health counseling, addiction services, legal services, and housing. The project is a combined effort of the Judiciary, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), and the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to connect service members who come into contact with the courts and who need help with existing community services as well as mentors to address those issues. It is not a diversionary program. The project is geared toward identifying veterans who have come into contact with the courts and referring them for available services. The referral is voluntary. The project also involves a mentoring component that is being developed by the Adjunct General. During the assessment process, the local veterans service officer will determine whether the veteran could benefit from assignment of a mentor. If so, and if a mentor can be identified pursuant to the list developed by the Adjunct General, one will be assigned., Highlights, The project targets court-involved persons who have served in the military. It is a collaborative effort involving the Judiciary, DMAVA, and DMHAS. The Judiciary component offers voluntary identification and referral to one of 16 state veterans services offices (VSOs). The project has been spearheaded by the criminal division. The Judiciary began a county-by-county rollout in December 2008. The project now operates statewide. The Adjutant General shall develop and coordinate a volunteer-based program comprised of former service members to assist and mentor veterans who become involved with the criminal justice system. In addition, the Adjutant General shall develop a registry of volunteer mentors and make the registry available. Statewide Referrals since Inception =, 4,960 (as of 03/01/2026), Facts, DMAVA estimates that, as of Sept. 30, 2023, there were 299,271 veterans in New Jersey, of which 26,358 were women. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has identified substance use disorders as one of the three most common diagnoses amongst veterans, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury in second and third place. The January 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that approximately one out of six veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have a substance use disorder. A Veterans Health Administration National Center for PTSD fact sheet reports that PTSD symptoms can indirectly lead to criminal behavior or through direct linkage of a traumatic incident to a specific crime. 19 percent of the veterans who returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, roughly 300,000 people, reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression. The Survey of Inmates in Local Jails reports that 9.3 percent of people incarcerated in jails are veterans. The primary offense for 70 percent of incarcerated veterans was a non-violent crime, and 45 percent had served two or more state prison sentences. At minimum, 90,000 of the 9 million unique inmates annually released from U.S. jails are veterans. A large majority (82 percent) are eligible for VA services, having been discharged either under honorable (65 percent) or general with honorable (17 percent) conditions., Collaboration, DMAVA provides a range of programs, assistance and support services to veterans and their families. DMAVA operates 16 VSOs that help veterans access federal and state benefits to which they may be entitled. For this project, once a veteran has been identified in the court system and volunteers to participate, the local VSO is notified and assists in identifying and providing the services needed by the veteran. DMHAS is the state mental health authority that oversees and has primary responsibility for funding the public adult mental health system. In addition to various psychiatric hospitals and units, the division has contracts with more than 120 not-for-profit community providers. For this project the DMHAS and its service providers assist in identifying veterans and providing mental health services for those veterans in need of such services. The cooperation of municipal prosecutors and public defenders, county jail personnel, health service providers, and superior court public defenders and prosecutors is also crucial. Each of these entities assists in identifying veterans and recognizing the need for services., History of the Program, In 2008, the New Jersey Judiciary piloted the VAP in the Municipal Court and Superior Court Criminal Divisions in the Atlantic and Union counties. Within the first year, three additional counties had implemented the project and five others were in the planning stages. The pilot project was designed to identify veterans as soon as possible after they entered the criminal justice system and when needed, provide referrals to the local VSO to connect those veterans to community resources to address the unique services they need. Those services could include a thorough assessment, identification of specific military entitlements, referrals for individual and family counseling, medical and legal assistance, educational and vocational training aid, and other community services. The intention was to connect defendants with services to which they are entitled and to help alleviate negative factors that may have contributed to their involvement in the criminal courts. Soon after the pilots in Atlantic and Union began, the Judiciary recognized that the VAP could be accessible to other court-involved veterans. Counties that were creating VAP planning teams and hosting meetings included representatives from the civil, family, municipal, and probation divisions. Today, the project is statewide and operates in all 21 counties., Process for Linking Veterans to Services, Veterans are identified at the earliest possible point as they enter the court system. There are multiple points at which a referral to a local VSO can be initiated. For example, self-identification as a veteran is solicited when persons enter county jails, municipal and superior courts, and as existing probationers report to the probation department. Once a veteran has self-identified, a referral to the VSO can be prepared if the veteran volunteers to participate. Completed referral forms are directed to the criminal division, where the referral is entered into the VAP database and then electronically sent to the local VSO., Management and Coordination, The Criminal Practice Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts provides programmatic support and assistance in the planning, implementation and operation of the VAP and collects and maintains monthly statistics that reflect the number of unique referrals forwarded to the local VSOs by each county. Each vicinage criminal division manager and staff provides local project management and coordination.
  • Passaic Court Offices/Divisions, On This Page Body, Trial Court Administration, Melanie M. Nowling, Trial Court Administrator 973-653-2910 ext. 32918 Office Telephone, EEO/AA Officer, 973-653-2910 ext. 24067, Ombudsman, 973-653-2910 ext. 24470, Civil Division, Most civil cases that are heard in the Superior Court involve disputes in which a plaintiff claims that they have been hurt by the actions of the defendant and seeks monetary compensation. Examples of such cases are those involving automobile accidents, medical malpractice, breaches of contracts and landlord/tenant disputes. Civil cases in which the amount in controversy is more than $20,000 are heard in the Civil Division of Superior Court. Cases in which the amount in controversy is over $5,000 up to $20,000 are heard in the Special Civil Part of the Civil Division. Those in which the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less are also heard in the Special Civil Part and are known as small claims cases. In all, about 460,000 cases are heard in the Civil Division and Special Civil Part. Civil cases in which monetary damages are not being sought are heard in the General Equity Division of Superior Court. General Equity judges handle non-jury cases such as those involving trade secrets, labor matters, foreclosures and other disputes in which court relief, often in the form of restraining orders, is sought on an emergency basis. Arbitration calendar for Thursday, April 2, 2026 Trial calendar for Monday, April 6, 2026   Jaimie Brogan, Civil Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24261, Office, Telephone, Civil Division - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24220, Arbitration, 973-653-2910 ext. 24290, General Equity, 973-653-2910 ext. 24250, Landlord Tenant, 973-653-2910 ext. 24280, Law Division , Law Division Telephone Number 973-653-2910 ext. 24230, Small Claims, 973-653-2910 ext. 24240, Special Civil DC, 973-653-2910 ext. 24270, Criminal Division , The Criminal Division is responsible for processing and managing all indictable criminal cases involving adult offenders. In rare instances, juveniles may be waived to adult court based on the severity of the offense. The office handles all pre-adjudicatory functions of the Superior Court, Criminal Division, as well as Post Conviction Motions. Disorderly persons, petty disorderly person’s offenses and motor vehicle violations are normally heard in the Municipal Courts. Typical clients of the Criminal Division would be those: Arrested and charged with a criminal offense; Applying for pretrial intervention (PTI); Convicted of a criminal offense and needing a pre-sentence investigation completed; Having a question under pretrial monitoring; Seeking legal representation by the Office of the Public Defender; Inquiring about a criminal public record; Having questions concerning public access terminals; Appealing a Municipal Court sentence ( How to Appeal a Decision of a Municipal Court pro se kit available ); Applying for an expungement of a criminal record ( How to Expunge Your Criminal and/or Juvenile Record pro se kit available ); and Applying for recovery court, John J Harrison, Criminal Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24295, Office, Telephone, CJP, 973-653-2910 ext. 24380, Customer Service, 973-653-2910 ext. 24397 or ext. 24398, Expungements, 973-653-2910 ext. 24330, Pretrial Services, 973-653-2910 ext. 24310, Records Requests, 973-653-2910 ext. 24330, Recovery Court, 973-653-2910 ext. 24320, Family Division, Family Court is responsible to hear all actions in which the principal claim is unique to and arises out of a family or family type relationship. Family Court has jurisdiction over matters involving divorce, child support, paternity, custody, parenting time, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, family crisis, foster care placement, kinship legal guardianship, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights and adoption., Victoria B. Nicholson, Family Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24586, Office, Telephone, Family Division - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24390, Children in Court, 973-653-2910 ext. 24450, Domestic Violence, 973-653-2910 ext. 24420, Juvenile, 973-653-2910 ext. 24430, Matrimonial, 973-653-2910 ext. 24440, Non-Dissolution, 973-653-2910 ext. 24410, Records, 973-653-2910 ext. 24460, Finance Division, The Division of Finance manages all aspects of the Court's financial operations including the collection of fines, restitution, child support, bail and fees which are due to government agencies and individuals., Kedwin Parra, Finance Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24073,  , Office, Telephone, Finance Division - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24040, Payment Inquiries, 973-653-2910 ext. 24050, Human Resources Division, The , Division of Human Resources,  is responsible for a variety of programs and services for employees and applicants. The division administers all Human Resources related functions for the New Jersey Superior Court in each vicinage. The division is responsible for personnel management, labor and employee relations, Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action, training, payroll, health benefits, administration and volunteer programs. The Superior Court employs individuals in a wide variety of types of positions. We have career opportunities for individuals in direct court services functions (i.e., Probation Officers, Criminal, Family and Civil case management, support staff, etc.) and in support services functions (i.e., Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Purchasing, etc.). Careers in the NJ Courts See employment opportunities . Stephanie Rivera, Human Resources Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24056, Office, Telephone, Human Resources - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24060, IT Division, Carlos Rueda, IT Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 32911 Office Telephone, IT Division - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24010, Municipal Division, Municipal courts have jurisdiction over various matters, including motor vehicle and traffic violations, ordinance violations, disorderly and petty disorderly persons offenses and certain penalty enforcement actions, such as fish and game violations. The municipal courts also play a vital role in the indictable charges that ultimately end up in Superior Court. These charges are filed first in the municipal court, where a determination of probable cause is made, conditions of pretrial release are set, and preliminary arraignments are held. The complaints are then forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for possible grand jury action. Many indictable charges are downgraded to disorderly persons offenses and are heard in the municipal court. Municipal courts have very limited juvenile jurisdiction such as jurisdiction to handle motor vehicle complaints involving minors and curfew violations. In addition to assessing fines and revoking various privileges, municipal court judges may imprison defendants for up to six months. There are no jury trials in municipal court. Questions or comments concerning court operations in any of the municipal courts may be directed to the attention of the Municipal Division Manager or visit the Municipal Court Services Municipal Court within the Superior Court of New Jersey  page. ,  , Nicole Greten, Municipal Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24069, Office, Telephone, Municipal Division - Main Line, 973-653-2910 ext. 24070, Operations Division, Kim Casamassina, Operations Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24011, Jury Division, Call the jury management office if you have questions about your jury service.   Stacey Caltagirone, Jury Manager 973-653-2980, Office, Telephone, Interpreter's Unit, 973-653-29 973-653-2910 10  ext. 24020, Jury Management, 973-653-29, 973-653-2980, 80, Resource Center, 973-653-2910 ext. 24470, Transcripts, 973-653-2910 ext. 24480, Probation Division, The Probation Division, as part of the Judiciary, plays a vital role in accomplishing the mission of the Court. The role of Probation Division is to promote the welfare and safety of children, families and communities in New Jersey by enforcing court orders, supervising offenders, monitoring behavior, and intervening to produce positive outcomes.,  , Indira A Núñez, Probation Division Manager 973-653-2910 ext. 24102, Office, Telephone, Child Support Hotline, 1-877-655-4371, Supervision, 973-653-2910 ext. 24102
  • Notable Cases, The New Jersey Supreme Court is recognized as one of the leading state courts in the nation. The issues that come before the Court cover a vast array of topics from the education of our children to procedures in criminal trials. Cases come to the Court because the parties cannot agree. Often the circumstances of the cases are unique. The Court then must consider the unusual and often difficult problem presented and reach a decision that is fair and informed by existing law. The following sections highlight some of the most notable cases by the New Jersey Supreme Court over the years and are designed to provide a better understanding of the Court’s work. They are not intended to provide a comprehensive statement of New Jersey law on the topics in question. Rather the sections highlight the scope of the important cases. Not all such cases are listed. Hopefully, the discussion of these notable cases will provide a better appreciation of the Court’s role and give some insight into the development of New Jersey’s law. Because law evolves, whether through case law or legislative action or constitutional amendment, the reader should understand that any law or case discussed here may have been or may be subsequently modified or overturned. Common Law Importance: New Jersey’s 1947 Constitution created a court system capable of responding to the needs of New Jersey’s citizens, and to changes in our society. For more than seven decades, New Jersey’s Supreme Court has gained recognition nationally among state high courts for its timely, prudent and well-conceived innovations to the common law. The common law, like other judicial principles, arises out of court rulings resolving controversies presented to courts by people in search of a solution. Individuals and others, ordinarily with the help of lawyers, select the issues to present to a court. In effect, the common law results from judicial decisions resolving those issues case-by-case.  Relevant Cases:, Fox v. Snow, , 6 N.J. 12 (1950), Henningsen v. Bloomfield Motors, , Inc 32 N.J. 358, 161 A.2d 69 (1960), Marini v. Ireland, , 56 N.J. 130, 265 A.2d 526 (1970) Read: Common Law Common Law Watch: Henningsen v Bloomfield Motors Marini v Ireland Arbitration and Mediation Importance: The New Jersey Supreme Court has recognized the need for, and benefits of, Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”) programs as a means of encouraging dispositions of litigation, both before and after a complaint is filed, in an expeditious, less costly and convenient manner. Both arbitration and mediation are recognized and encouraged by court rules and case law development. The Supreme Court has established a court ordered mediation program under Rule 1:40 whereby civil cases are sent to a mediator on the court roster of approved mediators, following required education and certification, to conduct a confidential mediation prior to more formal court proceedings in the adversarial context. The mediator is required to give the parties one free hour of time for preparation and one free hour during the mediation as a means of serving the parties. A mediation can resolve the case only if the parties agree to the disposition.   An arbitration resolves the matter based on presentation of the parties and decision by the arbitrator. There are court rules, R.4:21A, regarding mandatory and voluntary arbitration of certain types of cases with de novo review by the courts thereafter, if desired.  Relevant Cases:, Kernahan v Home Warranty Administrator of Florida, , Inc., N.J. (2019), Roach v BM Motoring, LLC., , 228 N.J. 163 (2017), Morgan v Sanford Morgan Institute, , 225 N.J. 289 (2016), Atalese v U.S. Legal Servs. Group, , 219 N.J. 430 (2014), Hirsch v Amper Fin. Servs., LLC., , 215 N.J. 174 (2013), Muhammad v County Bank of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, , 189 N.J. 1 (2006), Hojnowski v Vans Skate Park, , 187 N.J. 323 (2006), Martindale v Sandvik, Inc, , 173 N.J. 76 (2002), Garfinkel v Morristown Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates. P.A., , 168 N.J. 124 (2001), Barcon Assocs. v Tri-Asphalt Corp., , 86 N.J. 179 (1981), Fawzy v Fawzy, , 199 NJ 456 (2009), Willingboro Mall, Ltd. v 240/242 Franklin Avenue, LLC., , 215 N.J. 242 (2013), State v Williams, , 184 N.J. 432 (2005) Read: Arbitration Arbitration and Mediation Criminal Procedure Importance: The first New Jersey constitution, adopted in 1776, was a brief document setting up the structure of the government. As with the federal constitution adopted in 1789, it did not include a list of personal rights. Although the federal constitution swiftly remedied this omission, it was not until New Jersey’s second constitution, adopted in 1844, that New Jersey set forth an explicit listing of a criminal defendant’s rights. These included the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures; the right to have a grand jury determine whether there was sufficient evidence to initiate criminal proceedings against a defendant; the right to be tried by a jury, in proceedings that were speedy and public; and the right not to be placed in criminal jeopardy twice for the same offense. This explicit listing was continued in our 1947 constitution. Although New Jersey has recognized these rights as constitutionally required for more than 170 years, it is only recently that our Supreme Court has looked to our own constitution to assess whether a defendant’s rights have been protected. For many years it was guided by the approach taken by the United States Supreme Court, which originally held the view that the provisions of the federal Bill of Rights governed proceedings in the federal court but were not applicable to proceedings in state courts. That view changed dramatically in the 1960s when the United States Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Earl Warren, held that certain of these rights were indeed applicable in state court proceedings. It did so by utilizing the incorporation doctrine, ruling that the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment incorporated certain of the federally-guaranteed rights of the first ten amendments. The Supreme Court’s process of incorporation was incremental, rather than blanket.  Relevant Cases:, Miranda v Arizona, , 384 U.S. 436 (1966), State v. Johnson, , 68 N.J. 349 (1975), State v. Hagans, , 232 N.J. 43 (2018), State v. Novembrino, , 105 N.J. 95 (1985), United States v. Leon, , 468 U.S. 897 (1984), State v. Hempele, , 120 N.J. 182 (1990), California v. Greenwood, , 486 U.S. 35 (1988), State v. Reed, , 133 N.J. 237 (1993), Moran v. Burbine, , 475 U.S. 412 (1986), State v. Pena-Flores,, 198 N.J. 6 (2009), State v. Witt, , 223 N.J. 409 (2015), State v Cromedy, , 158 N.J. 112 (1999), State v. Henderson, , 208 N.J. 208 (2011) Read: Criminal Procedure Criminal Procedure Watch: State v Henderson Education Importance: Incumbent upon civilized society is an underlying obligation to provide properly for the education of its citizenry. Without such an education, members of society lack one of the only means available to social and economic advancement. The citizens of New Jersey recognize that principle, and it is incorporated into the state’s 1947 Constitution. Article VIII, §4, paragraph 1 states, “The Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a through and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all the children in the State between the ages of five and eighteen years.” Implementing that important public policy has proven to be challenging over the years. The New Jersey Supreme Court has revisited this issue of “thorough and efficient” education for close to fifty years. In large part the problems have been the sources of funding and quality of education provided in various school districts. The Court has been at the center of the funding issue.   The Court has also examined other issues bearing a correlation to the education of New Jersey’s residents. The cases that touch on education issues are far ranging. Examples include school busing, the interplay between private and public schools, and labor relationships within the school district. The Court has also addressed quasi-criminal matters involving the rights of students. The importance of these issues is evident from the breadth and depth of the Supreme Court’s involvement. The following is a sampling of key cases involving education. Relevant Cases:, Yanow v. Seven Oaks Park, Inc., , 11 N.J. 341 (1953), Booker v. Board of Education, , 45 N.J. 161 (1965), West Morris Regional Board of Education v. Sills, , 58 N.J. 464 (1971), Jenkins v. Morris School Dist., , 58 N.J. 483 (1971), Robinson v. Cahill, , 69 N.J. 449 (1976), N.J. Asso. for Retarded Citizens v. N.J. Dep’t of Human Servs., , 89 N.J. 234 (1982), Abbott v. Burke, , 100 N.J. 269 (1985), Bd. of Educ. v. Neptune Twp. Educ. Ass’n, , 144 N.J. 16 (1996), Joye v. Hunterdon Cent. Reg’l High Sch. Bd. Of Educ., , 176 N.J. 568 (2003), L.W. ex rel. L.G. v. Toms River Regional Schools Bd. of Educ., , 189 N.J. 381 (2007), Besler v. Board of Educ. Of West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School Dist., , 201 N.J. 544 (2010), Abbott v. Burke, , 206 N.J. 332 (2011) Read: Education Education Family Law Importance: The New Jersey Supreme Court consistently has been at the forefront of matters involving family relationships. The issues it has addressed have been as varied as human nature itself. As early as 1971, the Court corrected the course that family law had been on and recognized the notion of marriage as a shared enterprise in which the spouse’s contributions are to be valued equally. Khalaf v. Khalaf, 58 N.J. 63 (1971). It went on to uphold the constitutionality of the equitable distribution statute, Painter v. Painter, 65 N.J. 196 (1974) and identified a non-vested pension plan with future monetary benefits earned during the marriage as within the marital estate. Kikkert v. Kikkert, 88 N.J. 4 (1981). In addition, recognizing that all relationships entitled to protection are not traditional marriages, the Court declared that committed same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits enjoyed by married opposite sex couples, Lewis v. Harris, 188 N.J. 415 (2006) and permitted the enforcement of financial agreements between unmarried parties living together based on promises that had been made and expectations developed. Kozlowski v. Kozlowski, 80 N.J. 378 (1979).  Relevant Cases:, Khalaf v. Khalaf, , 58 N.J. 63 (1971), Painter v. Painter, , 65 N.J. 196 (1974), Kikkert v. Kikkert, , 88 N.J. 4 (1981), Lewis v. Harris, , 188 N.J. 415 (2006), Kozlowski v. Kozlowski, , 80 N.J. 378 (1979), State v. Kelly, , 97 N.J. 178 (1984), J.B. v. M.B., , 470 N.J. 9 (2001), Beck v. Beck, , 86 N.J. 480 (1981), VC v. MJB, , 163 N.J. 200 (2000), Moriarty v. Bradt, , 177 N.J. 84 (2003), IMO DC & DC Minors, , 203 N.J. 541 (2010), Williams v. Williams, , 59 N.J. 229 (1971), Lepis v. Lepis, , 83 N.J. 139 (1980), Newburgh v. Arrigo, , 88 N.J. 529 (1982), Lynn v. Lynn, , 91 N.J. 510 (1982), Gayet v. Gayet, , 92 N.J. 149 (1983), Innes v. Innes, , 117 N.J. 496 (1990), Kinsella v. Kinsella, , 150 N.J. 276 (1997), Crews v. Crews, , 164 N.J. 11 (2000), Mani v. Mani, , 183 N.J. 70 (2005), Fawzy v. Fawzy, , 199 N.J. 456 (2009), Bisbing v. Bisbing, , 230 N.J. 309 (2017), Baures v. Lewis, , 167 N.J. 91 (2001)   Read: Family Law Family Law Individual Rights Importance: While many people think of the United States Constitution, and particularly the first ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights, as the major source of legal protection of individual freedoms—such as free speech, freedom of religion, personal privacy rights and the right to due process of law—each state constitution is also an independent source of those rights. While the federal Constitution provides the basic guarantees that are enforced across the nation, each state is free in its own constitution to provide rights that exceed the minimum federal standard.  New Jersey in particular has a long tradition of interpreting the New Jersey Constitution in ways that are in keeping with the particular history and traditions of this State, and that often exceed the federal constitutional standard. Following are some examples. Relevant Cases:, State v. Schmid, , 84 N.J. 535 (1980), Mazdabrook Commons Homeowners' Association v. Khan, , 210 N.J. 482 (2012), Freedom from Religion Foundation V. Morris County Board Of Chosen Freeholders, , 235 N.J. 385 (2018), Ran-Dav's County Kosher, Inc. v. State, , 129 N.J. 141 (1992), Elmora Hebrew Center v. Fishman, , 125 N.J. 404 (1991), State v. Gregory, , 66 N.J. 510 (1975), Rodriguez v. Rosenblatt, , 58 N.J. 281 (1971), Right to Choose v. Byrne, , 91 N.J. 287 (1982), Quinlan, , 70 N.J. 10 (1976), Baby M, , 109 N.J. 396 (1988), V.C. v. M.J.B., , 163 N.J. 200 (2000) Read: Individual Rights Individual Rights Watch: In re Quinlan Municipal Law Importance: Up to the mid 20th century, citizens could not generally sue towns when they were injured or refused to carry out contracts. Now, such municipal immunity has largely disappeared as to contract and tort claims against municipal entities. So the law covering these kinds today of cases resembles the case law set forth in the sections on torts and contracts.   But some subjects remain unique to local government. What is the origin of home rule? Where do our towns get their right to pass ordinances that regulate people and businesses? When is local initiative barred by uniform state law?  Case law also enforces statutes governing citizens’ rights to attend public meetings and gain access to public records. And case law also governs the fairness of property tax assessments and the integrity of local officials.   The general trend in the law has been to give local governments more authority to undertake initiatives on behalf of their citizens. When in doubt, the Supreme Court has given the go ahead to local regulations, unless they violate some specific constitutional right, like the right to free speech or equality before the law or interfere with the requirements of a state statute. For example, over the past decades, the Court has authorized local rent control, requirements for soil removal or regulation of firearms discharge. In this way our Court has been quite supportive of local home rule.  Relevant Cases:, Inganamort v. Bor. of Ft. Lee, , 62 N.J. 521 (1973), Fred v. Mayor and Council of Old Tappan, , 10 N.J.515 (1952), Chester Township v. Panicucci, , 62 N.J. 94 (1973), Overlook Terrace Management Corp. v. Rent Control Bd.of West New York, , 71 N.J. 451 (1976), FMC Stores v. Bor. of Morris Plains, , 100 N.J. 418 (1985), Jantausch v. Bor. of Verona, , 24 N.J. 326 (1957), Switz v. Middletown Tp., , 23 N.J. 580 (1957), Thompson v. City of Atlantic City, , 190 N.J. 359 (2007), Driscoll v. Burlington Bristol Bridge Co., , 8 N.J. 433 (1952), Polillo v. Deane, , 74 N.J. 562 (1977), State v. Caoli, , 135 N..J. 252 (1994), Irval Realty, Inc. v. Bd. Of Public Utilities Commissioners, , 61 .N.J. 366 (1972), North Jersey Media Group v. Township of Lyndhurst, , 229 N.J. 541 (2017) Read: Municipal Law Municipal Law Premises Liability Importance: “Contractor sues Starbuck’s CEO after slipping on mansion floor.” “Trespassing teenager falls through skylight, sues property owner.” “Supermarket sued by shopper mugged in parking lot.” Headlines such as these while not common demonstrate the importance of Premise Liability Law in New Jersey. Simply because an accident occurred does not mean that the property or business owner is responsible for the injuries. What rights does a person have when entering onto another’s property? What duty should be imposed on the property owner?  Everyone has walked into a business, traveled over public sidewalks, been invited to a neighbor’s house, and perhaps engaged in an occasional trespass. All these routine activities have the potential of placing an individual in foreseeable harm. It follows that the law impose corresponding protections. The New Jersey Supreme Court initially confronted these questions by applying Common Law principles.   Under Common Law a plaintiff must establish the existence of a duty of care that was breached by the property owner, causing injury to plaintiff. Townsend v. Pierre, 221 N.J. 36 (2015). To determine if a duty existed the Court examined the relationship between the property owner and the person entering the premises. Why was this person there? Was a benefit conferred on the owner by the person or were both parties mutually benefited? Identifying the status of the parties became a determinative factor in establishing the duty. The extent of the duty depended on 2  whether the person entering the property was a business invitee, social guest (also referred to as a licensee) or trespasser.   Relevant Cases:, Townsend v. Pierre, , 221 N.J. 36 (2015), Taneian v. Meghrigian, , 15 N.J. 267 (1954), Handleman v. Cox, , 39 N.J .95 (1963), Egan v. Erie Railroad Co., , 29 N.J .243 (1959), Brett v. Great Am. Recreation Inc., , 144 N.J. 479, 508 (1996), Gonzalez v. Safe and Sound Security, , 185 N.J. 100 (2005), Taylor v. N.J. Highway Authority, , 22 N.J. 454 (1956), Butler v. Acme Markets, Inc., , 89 N.J. 270 (1982), Hopkins v. Fox and Lazo Realtors, , 132 N.J. 426 (1993), Parks v. Rogers, , 176 N.J. 491 (2003), Rowe v. Mazel Thirty LLC, , 209 N.J. 35 (2012), Yankho v. Fane, , 70 N.J. 528 (1976), Mirza v. Fimore Corp., , 92 N.J. 390 (1983), Luchejko v. City of Hoboken, , 207 N.J.191 (2011), Qian v. Toll Brothers, Inc., , 223 N.J. 124 (2015), McDaid v. Aztec West Condominium Association, , 234 N.J. 130 (2018), Vincitore v. N.J. Sports & Exposition Authority, , 169 N.J. 119, 125 (2001), Jerista v. Murray, , 185 N.J. 175 (2005) Read: Premises Liability Premises Liability Products Liability Importance: In few areas of the law has the New Jersey Supreme Court advanced the common law so definitively as in the field of product liability. Leading the way in the nation, our state Supreme Court re-prioritized society’s agenda to promote product safety, by providing a legal remedy to the consumers of defective goods. The modern law of Product Liability began as a response to transformative changes in the production and marketing of consumer goods during the first decades of the 20th Century. The small manufacturer whose products were personally inspected and selected by a series of individual buyers was replaced by the mass marketer. The buyer who was able to select both the manufacturer and the particular goods was replaced by the passive consumer who bought out of stock, knew nothing about production, nor was in a position to influence it. Moreover, people who suffered damage when mass marketed goods turned out to be defective were at an increasing disadvantage in their ability to be compensated for their loss.  Relevant Cases:   Read: Products Liability Products Liability Professional Responsibility and Discipline of Attorneys Importance: Under Article VI, section II, paragraph 3 of the 1947 State Constitution, the New Jersey Supreme Court has the exclusive authority to make Rules governing “the administration of all courts in the State,” governing “practice and procedure in all such courts,” and exercises “jurisdiction over the admission to the practice of law and the discipline of persons admitted.”   The New Jersey system for admission and discipline of attorneys is governed by the Court rules and not by bar associations or other entities. It is a system unique to New Jersey. The Supreme Court has established procedures to assure the qualification of attorneys admitted to practice in the state and regarding their character and fitness. It has also established a comprehensive system for the discipline of attorneys through local district ethics committees or Special Ethics Masters who hear disciplinary cases. Relevant Cases:, Opinion 39 of Committee on Advertising, , 197 NJ 66 (2008), Petrillo v Bachenberg, , 139 NJ 472 (1995), Madden v Delran Tp., , 126 NJ 591 (1992), Rodriguez v Rosenblatt, , 58 NJ 281 (1976), Jacob v Norris, , 128 NJ 10 (1992), Weiss v Carpenter, Bennett & Morrissey, , 143 NJ 420 (1996), Heher v Smith, Stratton Wise, , 143 NJ 448 (1996) and 170 NJ 213 (2001), Reardon v Marlayne, Inc., , 83 NJ 460 (1980), Dewey v RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co., , 109 NJ 201 (1988), Wilson, , 81 NJ 451 (1979), Hollendonner, , 102 NJ 21 (1985), American Trial Lawyers v N.J. Supreme Court, , 66 N.J. 258 (1974), Volsi, , 85 NJ 576 (1981), Committee on Advertising, , 197 NJ 66 (2008), Petrillo v Bachenberg, , 139 NJ 472 (1995), Madden v Delran Tp., , 126 NJ 591 (1992), Rodriguez v Rosenblatt, , 58 NJ 281 (1976), Jacob v Norris, , 128 NJ 10 (1992), Weiss v Carpenter, Bennett & Morrissey, , 143 NJ 420 (1996), Heher v Smith, Stratton Wise, , 143 NJ 448 (1996) and 170 NJ 213 (2001), Reardon v Marlayne, Inc., , 83 NJ 460 (1980), Wilson, , 81 NJ 451 (1979), Hollendonner, , 102 NJ 21 (1985), State v Rue, , 175 NJ, Friedland, Querques and Robbins, , 59 N.J. 209 (1971) Read: Professional Responsibility Professional Responsibility and Discipline of Attorneys The State Constitution Importance: The people of New Jersey have, in fact, two constitutions that provide for their governance and protect their rights. First, is the more familiar United States Constitution. Like the people in all fifty states, however, New Jerseyans also have their own state constitution that provides additional constitutional rules applicable only in their state. New Jersey has had its own state constitution since 1776, and with numerous changes, modifications, and additions over the years, this has led to our current New Jersey state constitution. The New Jersey Supreme Court has the final say on the meaning and application of our state constitution. When a contested court case raises a question regarding an interpretation of a provision of the state constitution, or how it applies to the facts of the case, the court must apply or interpret the constitution in order to decide the case. Such judicial decisions not only decide the specific case before the court but also serve as precedents to be applied to future questions regarding the meaning of that state constitutional provision. These judge-made interpretations, together with the text of the constitution itself, constitute the state constitutional law of our state. While these constitutional precedents are not written in stone, at times albeit highly unlikely, they can be overturned by future courts. Finally, it is in the area of constitutional law that courts are often called upon to protect a fundamental right of a citizen that has yet to be addressed by the legislature. When elected officials are unable to act, the courts are the only recourse available to the public.    Relevant Cases:, Peper v. Princeton University, , 77 N.J. 55, 389 A. 2d 465 (1978), Quinlan, , 70 N.J. 10, 355 A. 2d 647 (1976), Planned Parenthood of Central New Jersey v. Farmer, , 165 N.J. 609, 762 A. 2d 620 (2000), Right to Choose v. Byrne, , 91 N.J. 287, 450 A.2d 925 (1982), Lewis v. Harris, , 188 N.J. 415, 908 A. 2d 196 (2006), New Jersey Coalition Against the War in the Middle East v. J.M.B. Realty Corp., , 138 N.J. 326, 650 A. 2d 757 (1994), Comite Organizador de Trabajadores Agricolas (COTA) v. Molinelli, , 114 N.J. 87, 552 A. 2d 1003 (1999), Southern Burlington County NAACP v. Township of Mt. Laurel, , 67 N.J. 151, 336 A.2d 713 (1975), State v. Muhammad, , 145 N.J. 23, 678 A. 2d 164 (1996), Winberry v. Salisbury, , 5 N.J. 240, 74 A. 2d 406 (1950), Gallenthin Realty Development, Inc. v. Paulsboro, , 191 N.J. 344, 924 A.2d 447 (2007), State v. Gilmore, , 103 N.J. 508, 511 A.2d 1150 (1986), Robinson v. Cahill, , 303 A.2d 273, 62 N.J. 473 (1973), Abbott v. Burke, , 495 A.2d 376, 100 N.J. 269 (1985) Read: State Constitution The State Constitution Watch: Robinson v Cahill Zoning and Planning Importance: For more than five decades, New Jersey’s Supreme Court has been looked to by courts across the nation for how best to accommodate the many interests that come into competition (some might say clash) when real estate is developed. Given New Jersey’s status as the most densely populated state in the United States, the potential for objectors to any land use application isn’t small. Most disputes are resolved before local planning and zoning boards, yet many find their way to the Superior Court where trial judges attempt to apply the law as fairly as possible. When the losing party appeals, some of those decisions find their way to our state’s highest court.  Relevant Cases:, Ward v. Scott, , 11 N.J. 117 (1952), Kramer v. Bd. of Adjustment, , 45 N.J. 68 (1965), Kirsch Holding Co. v. Manalapan, , 59 N.J. 241 (1971), Southern Burlington County N.A.A.C.P. v. Mount Laurel Tp., , 67 N.J. 151, 187 (1975), Mount Laurel II, , 92 N.J. 158 (1983), Home Builders League v. Berlin, , 81 N.J. 127 (1979), Medici v. BPR Company, , 101 N.J. 1 (1987), PRB Enterprises, Inc., v. S. Brunswick Planning Board, , 105 N.J. 1 (1987), Riggs v. Long Beach Township, , 109 N.J. 601 (1988), Sica v. Board of Adjustment, , 127 N.J. 152 (1992), Wyzkowski v. Rizas, , 132 N.J. 509 (1993), Coventry Square, Inc. v. Westwood ZBA, , 138 N.J. 285 (1994), New Jersey Shore Builders Association v. the Township of Jackson, , 199 N.J. 38 (2009), Grippenburg v. Township of Ocean, , 220 N.J. 239 (2015) Read: Zoning and Planning Zoning and Planning Watch: NAACP v Mt Laurel  
  • Foreclosure In New Jersey, On This Page Summary If you're representing yourself in a foreclosure case, visit our self-help section . CN Title 10169 Foreclosure Case Information Statement (FCIS) - Appendix XII-B2 10170 Foreclosure Amount Due Schedule 11112 Court Fees 11270 How to Apply for Foreclosure Mediation 11277 Stay of Sheriff's Sale Notice of Motion Instructions 11284 Notice of Foreclosure Mediation Availability 11343 Automated Case Management System County/Municipal Code Table 11380 How to File an Answer to a Foreclosure Complaint 11899 How to File a Motion in a Foreclosure Case Before a Judge 11900 How to File a Response to a Motion in a Foreclosure Case Before a Judge 11901 How to File a Motion in a Foreclosure Case Before the Office of Foreclosure 11902 How to File a Response to a Motion in a Foreclosure Case Before the Office of Foreclosure 11978 How to File For a Writ of Possession in a Foreclosure Case 12930 How to File a Motion Before a Judge to Stay Sheriff’s Sale to Apply for Relief Through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) 12931 How to File a Motion Before a Judge to Tax Foreclosure to Apply for Relief Through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) If you're representing yourself in a foreclosure case, visit our self-help section., Filing Fee Schedule, Type, Fee, Complaints $405 Answers or First Appearances $175 Motions $50 Checks or money orders should be made payable to Treasurer - State of New Jersey. Attorneys may use their Judiciary Collateral Account to pay any fees. Cash is not accepted., Fee Waiver Request:, Fill out the Filing Fee Waiver Request Form to apply for a fee exemption. You must meet financial requirements for eligibility. This form should accompany your document(s). The form and the documents should be submitted to the General Equity Judge in the county where property is located. The judge will review the fee waiver request. Once the judge determines eligibility, your documents will be forwarded to the Superior Court Clerk's Office for filing. If the judge denies the fee waiver request, you will be notified to submit the fee before the documents can be filed., Copy Requests:, For information on obtaining copies of files or documents call Customer Service at 609-421-6100 . Requests for records must be in writing. Refer to Copies of Court Records for more details on submitting a request., Foreclosure Mediations & Mediation Services, Free foreclosure mediation is available to try to save your home. Mediation is a process where a neutral third-party hears your case. The mediator does not make a decision on the case but guides both parties to an acceptable outcome on their terms. Lenders can still pursue foreclosure actions during the mediation process. It is imperative to begin requesting mediation as soon as possible following a notice of foreclosure. The first step in the process is to file for mediation services. Attorneys or self-represented litigants can complete the filing for mediation form. Eligibility requirements pursuant to Rule 4:64-1B must be met. The request also requires the foreclosure mediation checklist . Use the foreclosure mediation financial worksheet to show financial eligibility. If a sheriff's sale is scheduled, there are 2 statutory stays that can be requested., Be aware of scams, . Companies that promise to help you get a loan modification, or notices to rescue your home from foreclosure, are popping up all over NJ. You need to protect yourself and your home from scam companies that have no regard for you and your home. You need to carefully check the company's credentials, reputation, and experience. Watch out for warning signs of a scam. Companies may falsely claim to be affiliated with a nonprofit or government entity or endorsed by government officials. You should maintain personal contact with your lender and mortgage servicer. Your mortgage lender can help you find real options to avoid foreclosure. You should use the free HUD/NJHMFA-certified housing counselor. More information including tips to avoid foreclosure scams are outlined in the Public Announcement released by the Federal Reserve., Notices to the Bar, Notice - Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program - Resumption of Availability of Housing Counselors: Notice to Defendants Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program - Rule Relaxation Order, Foreclosure for Renters, Residential tenants in a property facing foreclosure might be protected by NJ's Anti-Eviction statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 to 61.12. Legitimate residential tenants have rights to stay on the property notwithstanding a foreclosure. Frequently, because lenders don't know tenants' names, the foreclosure complaint will name "John Doe, Tenants No. 1 to 10." If a lender is unaware that the property is rented, a tenant may first be told about the foreclosure when the lender has a writ of possession. See the notice to residential tenants of rights during a foreclosure., Additional Resources for Foreclosure Help, Legal Services of New Jersey can provide resources and legal assistance for qualified litigants. The NJ Dept. of Banking & Insurance provides information on subprime mortgages.
  • Mercer Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Self-Help Resource Center, Ombudsman, Mercer County Civil Courthouse 175 South Broad Street Floor 2nd Floor Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068 609-571-4200 ext. 74205 MercerHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Morris/Sussex Vicinage Court User Resource Centers, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Morris and Sussex Counties Court User Resource Centers are open in-person Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Both locations accept telephone, email and written correspondence Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. , Morris Court User Resource Center, Court User Resource Center, Morris County Administration and Records Building 10 Court Street Suite/Room AR105 Morristown, New Jersey 07963 862-397-5700 ext. 75160 MRS-SSXHelp.mailbox@njcourts.gov, Sussex County Judicial Center, Sussex County Judicial Center 43-47 High Street Floor Lower Level Newton, New Jersey 07860 MRS-SSXHelp.mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program ombudsman program.
  • Burlington Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., Additional legal resources are available in our Law Library. The Ombudsman Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm., Ombudsman Office, Ombudsman, Burlington County Court Facility 49 Rancocas Road Floor 1 Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060 609-288-9500 ext. 38118 BurlingtonHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov   Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Ocean Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Legal Research and Information Center, Ombudsman, 118 Washington Street 118 Washington Street Suite/Room 101, Floor 1st Floor Toms River, New Jersey 08754 732-504-0700 ext. 64480 OceanHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Camden Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Ombudsman Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Ombudsman Office, Ombudsman, Camden County Hall of Justice 101 South 5th Street Suite/Room 110B Camden, New Jersey 08103 856-650-9100 ext. 43090 CamdenHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Passaic Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm., Mandak-Womack Resource Center, Ombudsman, Superior Court of New Jersey - Passaic 71 Hamilton Street Suite/Room 130, Floor 1st Floor Paterson, New Jersey 07505 973-653-2910 ext. 24470 PassaicHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program . 
  • Union Vicinage Court User Resource Center, Contact us to ask questions, find legal resources, and get help with understanding court forms and procedures. We also have referral information about community services., Our court staff can give procedural guidance, but they cannot give legal advice., The Center is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm., Self-Help Center, Ombudsman, Union County Courthouse 2 Broad Street Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207 908-787-1650 ext. 22300 UnionHelp.Mailbox@njcourts.gov Find out more about the Judiciary Ombudsman Program  ombudsman program .