Notice – Attorney-Conducted Voir Dire – Expansion of Pilot Program to Criminal Cases in Atlantic, Cape May, Burlington, and Hudson Counties on or after April 1, 2024

NOTICE TO THE BAR 

ATTORNEY-CONDUCTED VOIR DIRE-EXPANSION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO CRIMINAL CASES IN ATLANTIC, CAPE MAY, BURLINGTON, AND HUDSON COUNTIES ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 2024 

          The Supreme Court in its July 12, 2022 Order authorized a pilot program to explore the use of attorney-conducted voir dire (ACVD). In accordance with that order, attorneys and defendants in Criminal cases in Bergen, Camden, and Middlesex Counties have been opting into and participating in the ACVD pilot program since September 2022. The Court authorized expansion of the pilot program to Criminal cases in Monmouth County effective May 1, 2023. 

          In response to ongoing positive feedback, the Supreme Court has authorized further expansion of the ACVD pilot program for criminal jury trials in Atlantic and Cape May Counties (Vicinage 1) and in Burlington and Hudson Counties starting on or after April 1, 2024. Participation in the ACVD pilot program will continue to require the consent of all attorneys and the defendant. 

          In addition, the Comi also has authorized an adjustment to the pilot program such that the use of electronic questionnaires will be strongly encouraged but not required. This change is effective immediately for counties already involved in the pilot program (Bergen, Camden, Middlesex, and Monmouth). 

          Additional information on ACVD and other jury reforms is available on the Judiciary website at https://www.njcourts.gov/attomeys/jury-reforms. 

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the Administrative Office of the Courts Jury Management Programs at ( 609) 815-2900 extension 58133.