- Excusal Requests, Excusal Requests & Required Documentation Complete the Complete Your Questionnaire juror qualification questionnaire, before, submitting a request to be excused. Mail or email all documentation to your county Jury Management Contact List Jury Management Office for processing. The court will let you know if more information is needed for your request. Active duty of the United States military You may request an excusal if you are on active duty., How, : Submit your current assignment information. Use any of these: A copy of orders A letter from your commanding officer A copy of ID card showing an active-duty assignment Active member of a volunteer fire department, fire patrol, first aid or rescue squad You may request excusal if your volunteer service is required., How, : Submit one of these: A letter from your captain on fire company letterhead. OR A copy of a current ID card showing active volunteer status. Financial hardship You may request an excusal if your service will make you unable to financially support yourself or your family., How, : Submit the Certification in Support of Request to be Excused from Jury Service Due to Severe Financial Hardship Certification in Support of Request to Be Excused from Jury Service Due to Severe Financial Hardship . The form must show all of these: Household income How much your employer will pay for jury service. The impact jury service will have on your ability to support yourself and your family. Full-time teacher Teachers who cannot find a replacement may ask to reschedule their jury service. You may request an excusal if you are a full-time teacher and there is no way to find a substitute. , How, : Submit a letter from your school superintendent. The letter must say the following: You are a full-time teacher at a primary, middle, or secondary school:, AND EITHER, The school requires you to be there because they do not have enough coverage, OR, You are an essential special education teacher who is required to work. Healthcare worker You may request an excusal if you are a healthcare worker under certain conditions: You are directly involved in the care of a person with a mental or physical disability,, AND, Your continued presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of that person. , How, : Submit a letter from your employer that says your continued presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of the person. Medical excuse You may request an excusal based on certain medical conditions: The condition must prevent you from serving on jury duty;, AND, The condition must be unlikely to change within a year., How, : A licensed doctor must complete and submit the Physician Certification in Support of Medical Excuse Request Physician Certification in Support of Medical Excuse Request form. Over the age of 75 If you are over the age of 75 and wish to be excused, only, for the upcoming summons date rather than permanently,, submit, your date of birth to the summoning jury management office. Personal obligation to care for a minor child or children If you care for a minor and no alternative childcare is available without causing a severe Financial hardship,, submit, the Certification in Support of Request for Excuse from Jury Service: Personal Obligation to Provide Care for Minor Child(ren) certification which states you are personally obligated to care for the minor child(ren) . Personal obligation to care for a sick, aged, or infirm dependent You may request an excusal to care for a dependent in certain cases: You must be the only caregiver for that person. Your continued presence is essential to the regular and personal treatment of that person., How, : Submit a letter from a doctor stating these facts. Nursing or expressing mothers If you are a mother who is nursing or expressing milk for a child one year of age or younger, you must submit the Certification in Support of Request for Excuse from Jury Service: Mothers Nursing or Expressing Milk for their Child(ren) One Year of Age or Younger Certification in Support of Request for Excuse from Jury Service: Mothers Nursing or Expressing Milk for their Child(ren) One Year of Age or Younger form. If you are using the My Jury Service Portal to submit your request, the system is being updated to include this new excusal. For now, please choose the excusal option: 'Caregiver for Minor Child'. Provider of highly specialized technical healthcare services You may request an excusal if you provide certain healthcare services: You must be a provider of highly specialized technical healthcare services;, AND, No one else can replace you at your job., How, : Submit copy of your medical license and a letter from your employer that says no one else can perform your work. Previous jury service within the last three years You may request an excusal if you completed jury service in the same county in the past three years. You will not be excused if your recent jury service was in federal or district court instead of state court. , How, : Submit the date you served in either Petit Jury, Grand Jury, or State Grand Jury within the last three years.
- Protect Yourself Against Jury Duty Scams, What is a jury duty scam?, Jury duty scams are fraudulent phone calls, text messages, emails, or in-person contact by individuals outside of the Judiciary that threatens arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. These messages demand payment or request confidential information that can be used for identity theft., How to identify a scam, The Judiciary, does not use any, money-transfer applications. Examples include PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App. Court officials will, never, ask for payment to avoid arrest for failing to report for jury duty and will, never , request personal identifiers, such as: Bank account or credit card number Social security number Passport number Driver's license number Taxpayer identification number Medical ID and/or Group number The Judiciary does use phone calls, text messages, and email communications to assist jurors with their service, but those communications will never ask for payment or personal identifiers other than date of birth and residential address., What to do if you suspect a scam, If you suspect fraudulent communication, do not respond and do not click on any links. Immediately contact your county Jury Management Office List jury management office as well as local law enforcement. You can also report scams and suspicious communications to the Link to Federal Trade Commission page Federal Trade Commission .
- Judicial Conference on Jury Selection, 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), Day 1, 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, Day 2, 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
- Family Division Vicinage Contact Directory, Family Division, Number, Family Division Main Number (CIC) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64120 Family Division Main Number (DV) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64090 Family Division Main Number (FM/FD Dockets) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64050 Family Division Main Number (Intake) - Morris 862-397-5700 ext. 75145 Family Division Main Number (Juvenile) - Ocean 732-504-0700 ext. 64110 Family Division Main Number - Atlantic 609-402-0100 ext. 47467 Family Division Main Number - Bergen 201-221-0700 ext. 25170 Family Division Main Number - Burlington 609-288-9500 ext. 38831 Family Division Main Number - Camden 856-650-9100 ext. 43490 Family Division Main Number - Cape May 609-402-0100 ext. 47556 Family Division Main Number - Cumberland 856-878-5050 ext. 15720 Family Division Main Number - Essex 973-776-9300 ext. 56667 Family Division Main Number - Gloucester 856-878-5050 ext. 15590 Family Division Main Number - Hudson 201-748-4400 ext. 60810 Family Division Main Number - Hunterdon 908-824-9750 ext. 13830 Family Division Main Number - Mercer 609-571-4200 ext. 74380 Family Division Main Number - Middlesex 732-645-4300 ext. 88530 Family Division Main Number - Monmouth 732-358-8700 ext. 87908 Family Division Main Number - Morris 862-397-5700 ext. 75145 Family Division Main Number - Passaic 973-653-2910 ext. 24390 Family Division Main Number - Salem 856-878-5050 ext. 15774 Family Division Main Number - Somerset 908-332-7700 ext. 13730 Family Division Main Number - Sussex 862-397-5700 ext. 75184 Family Division Main Number - Union 908-787-1650 ext. 21280 Family Division Main Number - Warren 908-750-8100 ext. 13930 Family Division Records - Passaic 973-653-2910 ext. 24460
- 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. 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 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.
- Information for CLE Providers, Learn the requirements for becoming an approved CLE provider in New Jersey., Request Course Accreditation, The Board on Continuing Legal Education requires that all providers seeking course accreditation in New Jersey and approved service provider status in New Jersey submit their applications though its on-line computer tracking system. Through this system, providers can submit course approval requests, obtain New Jersey Certificates of Attendance, and request or renew approved service provider status. The provider CLE accreditation system has been updated to reflect the recent amendment to the ethics requirement to include diversity, inclusion and the elimination of bias (DIEB) credits. Providers are now required to provide the minutes specifically for DIEB instruction. Therefore, ethics minutes are now divided into two columns, one specifically for DIEB minutes of instruction and the other for total ethics minutes including DIEB minutes. For example, a course that is 200 minutes of total instruction, 50 minutes specifically for DIEB instruction and another 50 minutes in other ethics instruction, the provider would input in the respective columns: 200 total minutes, 50 DIEB minutes, and 100 total ethics minutes. First, register to submit courses for approval. Then, use your login credentials to enter new courses for accreditation. Register as a Provider Register as a Provider Existing Provider Login Existing Provider Login, Forms, Providers must submit both parts of the reporting form by Jan. 15 and July 15 each year: Bi-Annual Reporting Form Part 1 Biannual Reporting Form Part 1 Bi-Annual Reporting Form Part 2 (PDF format) Biannual Reporting Form Part 2 (PDF version) Bi-Annual Reporting Form Part 2 (Excel Format) Biannual Reporting Form Part 2 (Excel version) Use these established Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Law Codes law codes on the reporting forms. Provider Fees Per Course Approval $100 Late Fee (courses submitted later than 30 days after the course was presented) $150 Approved Service Providers (valid for a two-year period) Government Agencies Exempt Public Service Organization (only for CLE courses to train volunteers to provide pro bono service) Exempt upon request State Bar Association $400 Local and Specialty Bar Associations $300 Inns of Court $350 Others (including law firms and law school) If offering over a two-year period: 10 or fewer courses $ 400 11-20 courses $ 700 21-49 courses $ 1,250 50-99 courses $2,000 100+ courses $3,500
- Tax Court of New Jersey, The Tax Court resolves disputes involving local property taxes, state income taxes, homestead rebates, and sales and business taxes. Body, Overview of the Tax Court, Most tax cases must be decided by the New Jersey Division of Taxation or a county board of taxation before being filed in the Tax Court. See our self-help resources if you are representing yourself in a Tax Court matter. Presiding Judge of the Tax Court: Mala Sundar Tax Court Clerk/Administrator: Jeffrey T. Gallus Deputy Clerk: Lynne Allsop Information Technology: James Kopaczewski, Team A Judges:, Mala Sundar, P.J.T.C. Joan Bedrin Murray, J.T.C. Christine M. Nugent, J.T.C. Mark Cimino, J.T.C. Joseph M. Andresini, P.J.T.C. (on recall) Team Leader: Christine Parker, Team B Judges:, Mary Siobhan Brennan, J.T.C. Michael J. Duffy, J.T.C Joshua D. Novin, J.T.C. Michael J. Gilmore, J.T.C. Frederick C. Raffetto, J.T.C. Team Leader: Naglaa Elsayed Mailing Address:, Tax Court Management Office, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex P.O. Box 972 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972 609-815-2922 ext. 54650 Hand Deliveries:, Tax Court, Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street Trenton, New Jersey 08625 See the Tax Court Judges Directory Tax Court Judges Directory for Tax Court judges and law clerks., Filing Tax Court Cases in eCourts, All Tax Court cases must be filed in eCourts . Attorneys who already have an eCourts account can Log in log directly into eCourts. Attorneys who do not have an eCourts account can download and complete the attorney access verification form to request access. There is a separate eCourts login for clerks of county boards of taxation, municipal assessors, and municipal clerks. Download and complete the eCourts County and Municipal eCourts Access Request Form Tax Court case jacket access request form to request access and then users will be able to Log In log in . Public access to some Tax Court information is available through the Tax Court Case Jacket Tax Court Case Jacket . Self-represented litigants can use eCourts to file a Tax Court Complaint electronically. eCourts will automatically create most complaint forms and will serve the complaint on most parties. Please click on the First time eCourts user registration link under Self-Represented Litigants., Tax Court Filing Fees, File a motion in non-small claims matter, local or state tax, (No fee for motion in small claims matter, local or state), $50 Non-small claims Complaint Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $250 $50 Small claims Complaint Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $50 $10 Non-small claims Counterclaim (non-taxing district) Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $250 $50 Small claims Counterclaim (non-taxing district) Each additional Parcel or State Tax type $50 $10 Note: Municipalities do not pay a filing fee for a counterclaim., Tax Court Docketed Lists, These lists contain the Tax Court local property tax cases docketed as of the date on the report. They are sorted by county, and then by docket number. These lists are in Adobe PDF format, which has a search feature on the Adobe toolbar. You can locate your docket number by using all or part of the case title, block, lot, assessment year, or county. The All Docketed Tax Court Cases docketed lists of property tax and state tax cases are updated daily., Tax Court Resources, Published Tax Court Opinions Published Tax Court opinions and unpublished Tax Court opinions unpublished Tax Court opinions are also updated daily. Review the Rules Governing Practice in Tax Court Handbook Tax Court Rules Handbook for guidance on the Rules of Court governing practice in the Tax Court. See all Notices to the Bar related to the Tax Court. See all Forms forms and publications related to the Tax Court. Visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website New Jersey Division of Taxation website or the New Jersey Association of County Tax Boards website New Jersey Association of County Tax Boards website . You can also find the New Jersey County Boards of Taxation Links board of taxation websites of these New Jersey counties:, Annual Reports:, Annual Report of the Tax Court 2025 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2025 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2024 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2024 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2023 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2023 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2022 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2022 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2021 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2021 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2020 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2020 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2019 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2019 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2018 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2018 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2017 Annual Report of the Tax Court 2017, Appeals, Transcripts and Recordings, Appeals of Tax Court decisions must be filed with the Appellate Division within 45 days of the date of the Tax Court decision. You will be required to pay for and submit a transcript as part of your appeal. Transcripts are the written record of exactly what was said during court. Request a transcript. You can also purchase an audio recording of your case for $10. The sound recording cannot be used for an appeal. To purchase a recording, complete the Sound Recording Request Form (Tax Court) Tax Court sound recording request form. Then, mail the completed form and a check or money order payable to Treasure, State of NJ, to: , Tax Court Management Office, P.O. Box 972 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0972, Frequently Asked Questions, What are the procedures to withdraw a case from the Tax Court? If you have not received a trial date for your case, please contact the Tax Court Management Office at the numbers listed at bottom of this page. If you have received a trial date for your case, please contact the Tax Court Judge's Chambers listed on your trial notice. Other frequently requested State of New Jersey directory numbers for tax court: Inheritance tax information - 609-292-5033 . Foreclosure information - 609-292-7877 . Division of Taxation - Customer Service Center - 609-292-6400 . Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze) Hotline - 1-800-882-6597 . Can I represent myself (appear pro se) in Tax Court? Yes. The only restriction on appearing pro se is that a business other than sole proprietorship that must be represented by an attorney. See Limited Liability Partnerships for the Practice of Law Rule 1:21-1(c) . Please refer to the Tax Court main page and select the Tax Court Rules for more information. Where can I obtain information on Subpoenas? Rule of Court - 1:9 RULE 1:9. SUBPOENAS 1:9-1. For Attendance of Witnesses; Forms; Issuance; Notice in Lieu of Subpoena A subpoena may be issued by the clerk of the court or by an attorney or party in the name of the clerk or as provided by R. 7:7-8 (subpoenas in certain cases in the municipal court). It shall state the name of the court and the title of the action and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony at the time and place specified therein. If the witness is to testify in a criminal action for the State or an indigent defendant, the subpoena shall so note, and shall contain an order to appear without the prepayment of any witness fee. The testimony of a party who could be subpoenaed may be compelled by a notice in lieu of subpoena served upon the party's attorney demanding that the attorney produce the client at trial. If the party is a corporation or other organization, the testimony of any person deposable on its behalf, under R. 4:14-2, may be compelled by like notice. The notice shall be served in accordance with R. 1:5-2 at least 5 days before trial. The sanctions of R. 1:2-4 shall apply to a failure to respond to a notice in lieu of a subpoena. Follow the link below to obtain subpoena forms. Subpoena Ad Testificandum - Tax Court (Request Someone’s Testimony in Court) Subpoena Ad Testificandum (Request someone's testimony in court) Subpoena Duces Tecum - Tax Court (Request an Appearance or Documents) Subpoena Duces Tecum (Request an appearance or documents). What are the fees for filing in the Tax Court of New Jersey? The fees for filing a Local Property or State Tax Complaint are: Regular Complaint $250.00 for the first parcel or tax type $50 for any additional parcel or tax type Small Claims $50.00 for the first parcel or tax type $10 for any additional parcel or tax type Motion fee $50 (except small claims matters – no fee to file a motion). Are Notice forms available to file a motion with the Tax Court? Yes - Follow the link below to obtain the Notice of Motion Packet Notice of Motion Packet. Does the Tax Court of New Jersey hold liens? No. Default judgments, liens, and Certificates of Debt are filed with the Superior Court of New Jersey. Please contact the , Superior Court Clerk's Office, at 609-421-6100 For liens involving the Motor Vehicle Commission, please contact the MVC Commission at 888-486-3339 (toll free in NJ) or 609-292-6500 (out of state).
- Find Jobs, Search for NJ Judiciary positions throughout the New Jersey state court system. Jobs and Internships Jobs and Internships Law Clerks Law Clerks NJ Courts Employees Only NJ Courts Employees Only Sign up to receive job alerts Sign up to receive job alerts when new NJ Judiciary positions are posted. When you come to work for the New Jersey Judiciary, you will join a 9,000-member strong branch of government that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. The Judiciary resolves nearly one million Superior Court cases and 6 million municipal court cases each year. We work hard every day to build the public’s trust and confidence in our court system. Whether it be in a courtroom, a courthouse, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We resolve disputes, foster rehabilitation, strengthen families, protect rights and provide information, programs and services critical to protecting public safety. The New Jersey Judiciary has been a national leader on many fronts. In addition to groundbreaking jurisprudence, the Judiciary has been recognized for its robust statewide information technology systems, its position on the cutting edge of criminal justice reform and juvenile justice reform, its high standards in the area of language services and programs for minorities and other protected groups, and its rehabilitative approach to helping individuals and families. Our culture is based on our strong belief in the importance of our work to all of those we serve. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work. Our benefits package includes highly competitive pension and health plans, on-the-job training, mentoring and professional development opportunities, and a generous holiday calendar.
- Name Change for Adults, Adults should use the following steps to process a legal name change. , How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name - Adult, How to Ask the Court to Change Your Name - Adults Only, This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file a name change request in the civil division. There is a separate How to Ask the Court to Change a Name in the Chancery Division, Family Part name change kit that must be filed in the family division if you are trying to file on behalf of a minor under the age of 18., Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the case for you., 9 steps to file for an adult name change, Complete all of the forms in the packet. Download and complete the Civil Case Information Statement (CIS) - Appendix XII-B1 Civil Case Information Statemen t Prepare the $250 filing fee. If you are filing electronically, you can use a credit card. If you are mailing or delivering your papers in person, you need a check or money order for $250 payable to Treasurer, State of NJ. Note: If you are changing the names of multiple adult family members, the $250 fee covers all name change applications. However, if any family members are under the age of 18, you must file a separate case and use the packet for name changes in the family division. Fee Waivers Do you qualify for a fee waiver ? Check your forms and make sure they are complete. Remove all instruction sheets. Make sure you have signed all the forms where it says to do so. If you are mailing or delivering your paperwork to the court, you must make two copies of each form. One copy will be sent with the originals to the court; the other is for your records. Checklist: Form A: Verified Complaint Form A1: Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change Form B: Order Fixing Date of Hearing Form C: Final Judgment Form C1: Final Judgment Addendum Case Information Statement $250 Payment Upload your forms in the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document System (JEDS ).You can pay the fee with a credit card. You also can mail or deliver your documents to the court. First, make two copies of your documents. Mail the originals plus one copy to the, Directory of Superior Court Civil Division Offices civil division of Superior Court in the county where you live. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and a check or money order for the filing fee. Send by certified mail with return receipt. The post office can tell you how to do this. Review copies returned from the court. The court will return copies of the Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change and Order Fixing Date of Hearing to you. The case docket number will be written on all the copies. The docket number is very important because it identifies your case. It also lets the court know how to find your case. You must use the docket number on all future papers you send to the court about your case. The court will fill in the date on the Order Fixing Date of Hearing. That is the day you will appear before the judge to get the Final Judgment. If you do not have pending criminal or delinquent charges in New Jersey, skip this step. If you have pending criminal or delinquent charges, you must notify law enforcement of your name change application., You must send notification at least 20 days before your hearing date., Send copies of the following documents: Verified Complaint, Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change Order Fixing Date of Hearing For charges filed by any county prosecutor, send the forms to the county prosecutor in the county where you are filing the name change case. For charges filed by the attorney general, send the forms to the Division of Criminal Justice (see Step 8). Send by certified mail, return receipt requested. Notify the State of New Jersey of your Application for a Name Change. You must send notification at least 20 days before your hearing date. Send a copy of the Order Fixing Date of Hearing to: Director, Division of Criminal Justice ATTN: Records and Identification Section R. J. Hughes Justice Complex 25 Market Street P. O. Box 085 Trenton, NJ 08625-0085 Note: If you have criminal charges pending against you in New Jersey, you must also include a copy of the Verified Complaint and Certification of Confidential Information for Name Change. Send by certified mail, return receipt requested. Complete the Proof of Mailing (Form D) and send to the court. Be sure to attach the green certified mail receipt(s) to the Proof of Mailing. Send the Proof of Mailing to the court. Keep copies of the form and the receipts for your files., Prepare for Court, You should arrive in court on the date set for your hearing on the Order Fixing Date for Hearing. Be sure to bring with you proof of your current name. Proof could include a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or passport., Steps to Take After Your Name Change , Order certified copies of the Final Judgment and Final Judgment Addendum. Certified copies have a raised seal. You will need at least two certified copies of each document. Licensed drivers will need three copies of each document. Copies can be ordered through Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) JEDS . There is a $25 fee for each copy of each document. The fee can be paid with a credit card. Send one set of certified copies to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. You must include a $50 check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey., This must be done within 45 days after the date of the name change., Mail the documents, the check, and stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Department of Treasury Division of Revenue Judgment Name Change Unit P. O. Box 453 Trenton, NJ 08646 Send one set of certified copies to the registrar of vital statistics in the state where you were born. The office of the registrar is located in the capital city of the state in which you were born. Check to see if the office requires a fee. If you were born in New Jersey, the address for this office is: Bureau of Vital Statistics Attn: Vital Records Modifications Unit P. O. Box 370 Trenton, NJ 08625 Bring one set of certified copies to the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission. You must go to the agency in person to change your driver’s license, car registration, or handicapped or non-driver identification card. You can go to at any motor vehicle agency location or regional service center. T, his must be done within two weeks after the effective date listed on the Final Judgment, . The effective date is not the date of the hearing or the date the final judgment was signed. The effective date is the date you may begin using your assumed name. You will need other forms of ID in order to get a new driver’s license or ID card. Go to NJMVC njmvc.gov for more information on how to change the name on your license or identification card.
- Bergen Court Offices/Divisions, Body, Trial Court Administration, Kerri Lynn Walsh-Wood, Trial Court Administrator 201-221-0700 ext. 25102, Office, Telephone, EEO/AA Officer, 201-221-0700 ext. 25118, Ombudsman, 201-221-0700 ext. 25103, 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., Civil, 201-221-0700 ext. 25210 Kelly Gibson, Civil Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25802, Office, Telephone, General Equity, 201-221-0700 ext. 25240, Special Civil Part, 201-221-0700 ext. 25250, Landlord Tenant, 201-221-0700 ext. 25230, Mediation/Arbitration, 201-221-0700 ext. 25250 How to File a Motion in the Special Civil Part (Also used for a Motion to Permit Discovery, to Vacate a Dismissal, to Vacate a Default or Default Judgment) File a motion regarding Special Civil Part Officers Hoffman or Fields. Bergen Vicinage Special Civil Part Exhibit Submission Protocol Bergen Vicinage Special Civil Part Exhibit Submission Protocol, 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, Criminal, 201-221-0700 Leslie Darcy, Criminal Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25020, Office, Telephone, Criminal Trials, 201-221-0700 ext. 25020, Pretrial Services, 201-221-0700 ext. 25130, CJP, 201-221-0700 ext. 25140, Recovery Court, 201-221-0700 ext. 25012, Customer Service, 201-221-0700 ext. 25020, Records Request, 201-221-0700 ext. 25060, 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., Family, 201-221-0700 ext. 25170 Liana Dinallo, Family Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25202, Office, Telephone, Matrimonial, 201-221-0700 ext. 25280, Domestic Violence, 201-221-0700 ext. 25185, Non-Dissolution - Intake, 201-221-0700 ext. 25170, Non-Dissolution - Case Management, 201-221-0700 ext. 25170, Juvenile, 201-221-0700 ext. 25180, Children In Court, 201-221-0700 ext. 25190, 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., Finance, 201-221-0700 Rachel Lagreca, Finance Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25136, Office, Telephone, Payment Inquiries, 201-221-0700 ext. 25150, 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 ., Human Resources, 201-221-0700 Lynda Villareal, Human Resources Division Manager 201-221-0700, IT Division, Ron Bell, IT Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25001, 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. , Municipal, 201-221-0700 ext. 25080 Brendis Montijo Wrigley, Municipal Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25080, Operations Division, Arthur Andreano, Operations Division Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25077 Lourdes Figueroa, Jury Manager 201-221-0700 ext. 25090, Office, Telephone, ADA Coordinator, 201-221-0700 ext. 25070, Transcript Unit, 201-221-0700 ext. 25050, 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., Probation, 201-221-0700, Office, Telehone, Adult and Juvenile Supervision, 201-221-0700 ext. 25454, Child Support Enforcement, 877-655-4371
- For Judges, Body, Restricted Access Sites, ECDR/Probably Cause/ERPO/SDWS ECDR/Probable Cause/ERPO/SDWS Emergent Duty Procedures Manual Emergent Duty Procedures Manual Judicial Education—Municipal Judges Judicial Education—Municipal Judges Judicial Education—State Court Judges Judicial Education—State Court Judges Pretrial HD/EM Pretrial HD/EM, Legal Practice Resources, Administrative Directives Administrative Directives Court Opinions Court Opinions Order – 2025-2026 General Assignment Order General Assignment Order Jury Selection Standards and Voir Dire Questions Jury Selection Questions Manual on NJ Sentencing Law Manual on NJ Sentencing Law Automated Model Civil Jury Charges System ( Model Civil Jury Charge System Model Criminal Jury Charges Model Criminal Jury Charge System NJ Manual on Style NJ Manual on Style Rules of Court Rules of Court Rules of Evidence Rules of Evidence Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule Violation Bureau Schedule, Frequently Visited Pages, Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct Notice - Adoption of Revised Code of Judicial Conduct. Code of Judicial Conduct eCourts Login eCourts Login Supreme Court Committees Supreme Court Committees Supreme Court Committee Reports Supreme Court Committee Reports NJ State Bar Association NJ State Bar Association
- Pretrial Detention, Overview of the process to appeal pretrial detention. Defendants in criminal court have a right to appeal a pretrial detention order. The appeal process is laid out in Rule 2:9-13 Appeals from Orders Granting Pretrial Detention Court Rule 2:9-13 ., Attorneys, Attorneys must use eCourts Appellate eCourts Appellate to appeal an order granting a motion for pretrial detention. Follow the Instructions for eFiling an Appeal of an Order Granting a Motion for Pretrial Detention Instructions for eFiling an Appeal of a Pretrial Detention Order 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. Instructions to Upload PDA Expedited Information form template Follow these instructions for submitting the form. Prosecutors should use the Pretrial Detention Appeal (PDA) – State’s Response State Response form when responding to the appeal. , Self-Represented Litigants, Complete the Notice of Appeal Notice of Appeal Form . The Pretrial Detention Appeal (PDA) – Expedited Information Form Pretrial Detention Appeal Expedited Information Form must be filed with your Notice of Appeal. If you are ordering a transcript, complete the Transcript Order Form. You must Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal order the transcript on an expedited delivery rate. You must submit a letter brief and appendix within 10 days of receiving the transcript(S).
- Approved Trust Account Banks, New Jersey attorneys must keep their trust accounts in approved banks. Below is a current listing of banks in New Jersey who are approved by the Court to accept attorney trust funds. The list of approved banks is updated often. Attorneys having any questions about a specific bank not shown below may call the , OAE, at 609-403-7800 . 1st COLONIAL COMMUNITY BANK FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ELMER (THE) OCEANFIRST BANK, N.A. ABACUS FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK FIRSTRUST SAVINGS BANK (D/B/A FIRSTRUST BANK) PARKE BANK ALMA BANK FIVE RIVERS BANK PCB BANK AMBOY BANK FLAGSTAR BANK, N.A. PEAPACK PRIVATE BANK & TRUST (FORMERLY PEAPACK-GLADSTONE BANK) AMERICAN HERITAGE CREDIT UNION FRANKLIN BANK PENNSVILLE NATIONAL BANK APPLE BANK FREEDOM BANK PEOPLES SECURITY BANK & TRUST ASCENDIA BANK FULTON BANK, N.A. PNC BANK, N.A. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. GSL SAVINGS BANK PONCE BANK BANK OF HOPE HANA BANK USA, N.A. (FORMERLY KEB HANA BANK) POPULAR BANK (FORMERLY BANCO POPULAR) BANK OF PRINCETON (THE) HANMI BANK PROVIDENT BANK BCB COMMUNITY BANK HANOVER BANK ROYAL BUSINESS BANK BLUE FOUNDRY BANK HAVEN SAVINGS BANK SANTANDER BANK BOGOTA SAVINGS BANK HSBC BANK USA, N.A. * SCHUYLER SAVINGS BANK CAPITAL ONE, N.A. INDUSTRIAL BANK SHINHAN BANK AMERICA CENTURY SAVINGS BANK ION BANK SOMERSET REGAL BANK CITIBANK, N.A. ISRAEL DISCOUNT BANK OF NEW YORK (a/k/a IDB BANK) SPENCER SAVINGS BANK CITIZENS BANK J.P. MORGAN CHASE BANK STURDY SAVINGS BANK COLUMBIA BANK KEARNY BANK TD BANK, N.A. CONNECTONE BANK LINKBANK (FORMERLY LIBERTY BELL BANK) TRUIST BANK CREST SAVINGS BANK M & T BANK TRUSTCO BANK * CROSS RIVER BANK MAGYAR BANK UKRAINIAN NATIONAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION CROWN BANK MANASQUAN BANK UNION COUNTY SAVINGS BANK CTBC BANK CORP (USA) * METRO CITY BANK UNITED ROOSEVELT SAVINGS BANK CUSTOMERS BANK MID PENN BANK UNITY BANK ESQUIRE BANK, N.A. MILLVILLE SAVINGS BANK UNIVEST BANK & TRUST COMPANY FIRST BANK MONROE SAVINGS BANK VALLEY BANK (FORMERLY VALLEY NATIONAL BANK) FIRST CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANK NEWBANK WEBSTER BANK, N.A. FIRST COMMERCE BANK NEWFIELD NATIONAL BANK WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. FIRST COMMONWEALTH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION * NEW MILLENNIUM BANK WILLIAM PENN BANK FIRST FEDERAL BANK NORTHFIELD BANK WOORI AMERICA BANK FIRST HOPE BANK, N.A. NVE BANK WSFS BANK FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ABSECON , Revised Aug. 8, 2025, * BANK REMAINS APPROVED BUT IS DELINQUENT IN SUBMITTING THEIR RENEWAL OF THE TRUST OVERDRAFT NOTIFICATION AGREEMENT REQUIRED BY THEOFFICE OF ATTORNEY ETHICS IN 2024.
- Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP), Guardian Monitoring Program Brochure GMP volunteers help protect vulnerable people. Adult Guardianship Learn more about Guardianship and GMP . GMP volunteers: Enter report data into an electronic system. Compare report data to case information. Identify errors or discrepancies. Report errors to the court. Make suggestions for follow-up., Volunteer Qualifications, Analyzing guardianship paperwork is complicated. Qualified volunteers must have some knowledge of legal documents and/or financial documents. Experience with both and a desire to learn more are important. Requirements:. Must be at least 18 years old. Basic computer skills. Experience or interest in legal documents. Experience or interest in financial reporting. Qualified candidates will be interviewed. Volunteers commit to a minimum of one year of service. GMP provides program-specific training. Volunteers must: Complete and submit a Volunteer Application Judiciary Volunteer Application . Pass a background check. Get fingerprinted. Accept and comply with the Code of Conduct Code of Conduct., GMP Volunteer Schedules and Workload, GMP volunteers work remotely from home. Volunteers usually work six to twelve hours per month at any time that is convenient for them.
- District Ethics and Fee Committees, Volunteer to Be an Ethics or Fee Committee Member, Complete the OAE Volunteer Application form and mail it to the , Office of Attorney Ethics, to oae.mbx@njcourts.gov ., District Ethics Committees, District Ethics Committee Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Dorothy McCrosson, McCrosson & Stanton, PC 200 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone: 609-938-1775, District II A, Bergen County - North, Joseph A. Maurice, Cohn, Lifland, Pearlman, Herrman, & Knopf, LLP Park 80 West – Plaza One 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 401 Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 Phone: 201-845-9600 , District II B, Bergen County - South, Evelyn F. Nissirios, Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. One Paragon Drive, Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 Phone: 201-802-9202, District III A, Ocean County, Steven Secare, Secare & Hensel 16 Madison Ave, Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-349-2800, District III B, Burlington County, John M. Hanamirian, Hanamirian Law Firm, PC 40 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Phone: 609-332-5252, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, John M. Palm, Law Office of John M. Palm Highridge Commons, Suite 101 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 Phone: 856-783-5463, District V A, Essex County - Newark, Lisa W. Bonsall, McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-202-4818 973-202-4818, District V B, Essex County - Suburban Essex, Kelly M. Mattheiss, District VB Ethics Committee 31 Vose Avenue, P.O. Box 118 South Orange, NJ 07079 973-763-5777 973-763-5777, District V C, Essex County - West Essex, Sarah Fehm Stewart, Duane Morris LLP 200 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Florham Park, NJ 07932-1007 973-424-2061 973-424-2061 , District VI, Hudson County, Daniel D’Alessandro, McCarter & English Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-639-2053, District VII, Mercer County, John J. Zefutie, Colella Zefutie, LLC 116 Village Blvd., Ste. 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-981-9061, District VIII, Middlesex County, Barry J. Muller, Fox Rothschild 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 400 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-895-6725, District IX, Monmouth County, Mark B. Watson, Daniel F. Sahin, PC P.O. Box 838 Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Phone: 609-503-7944, District X A, East Morris and Sussex Counties, District X B, West Morris and Sussex Counties, Caroline Record, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP 75 Livingston Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068 Phone: 973-267-2328, District XI, Passaic County, Michael J. Pasquale, 146 Rea Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Phone: 973-423-5127, District XII, Union County, Michael F. Brandman, Loumar Inc. 1122 Route 22, Suite 103 Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone: 908-272-9255, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Donna P. Legband, Legband & D’Onofrio, LLC 93 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 908-696-7977 908-696-7977, District XIV, Office of Attorney Ethics, Office of Attorney Ethics, Mountain View Office Park 840 Bear Tavern Road P.O. Box 963 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: 609-403-7800, District Fee Committees, District Fee Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Kelly A. Dougherty, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, LLC 1318 South Main Road, Suite 5B Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856-777-5400 Fax: 856-777-5600, District IIA, Bergen County – North, Terrence J. Corriston, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee Breslin & Breslin 41 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-4015, District IIB, Bergen County – South, Michael J. Sprague, District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee 25 Main Street, Suite 202 Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-3500, District IIIA, Ocean County, Lisa E. Halpern, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Afonso Archie Foley, PC 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Popjoy & Kelly, LLC Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road, Suite 155 Voorhees, NJ 08043 Phone: 856-845-6181, District VA, Essex County – Newark, Michael J. Dee, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, 80 Main Street, Suite 530 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, New Jersey 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, 4617 Bergenline Avenue-Second Floor Union City, New Jersey 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660 Email: feearbitration@gmail.com, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Oswald & Zoschak, PC 34 Franklin Corner Road Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Phone: 609-844-0488 609-844-0488, District VIII - Effective January 1, 2024, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee P.O. Box 5600 Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Phone: 732-476-3206 Fax: 732-476-2429 Email: DFACVIII_Secretary@greenbaumlaw.com, District IX, Monmouth County, Thomas F. Shebell, III, Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. 600 Broad Street, Suite 100 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-663-1122 732-663-1122 Fax: 732-633-1144 Email: tshebell@shebell.com maponte@shebell.com (assistant), District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, New Jersey 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Drisgula Divorce & Family Law 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200 Fax: 973-872-1300 Email: candicedrisgula@gmail.com, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Jeney Jeney & O’Connor, LLC 1953 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908-322-9191, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Olivier J. Kirmser, Kirmser Lamastra Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3600, Volunteer to Be an Ethics or Fee Committee Member, Complete the OAE Volunteer Application form and mail it to the , Office of Attorney Ethics, to oae.mbx@njcourts.gov ., District Ethics Committees, District Ethics Committee, Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Dorothy McCrosson, McCrosson & Stanton, PC 200 Asbury Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 Phone: 609-938-1775, District II A, Bergen County - North, Joseph A. Maurice, Cohn, Lifland, Pearlman, Herrman, & Knopf, LLP Park 80 West – Plaza One 250 Pehle Avenue, Suite 401 Saddle Brook, New Jersey 07663 Phone: 201-845-9600 , District II B, Bergen County - South, Evelyn F. Nissirios, Meyerson, Fox & Conte, P.A. One Paragon Drive, Suite 240 Montvale, NJ 07645 Phone: 201-802-9202, District III A, Ocean County, Steven Secare, Secare & Hensel 16 Madison Ave, Suite 1A Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-349-2800, District III B, Burlington County, John M. Hanamirian, Hanamirian Law Firm, PC 40 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 Phone: 609-332-5252, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, John M. Palm, Law Office of John M. Palm Highridge Commons, Suite 101 200 Haddonfield-Berlin Road Gibbsboro, NJ 08026 Phone: 856-783-5463, District V A, Essex County - Newark, Lisa W. Bonsall, McCarter & English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-202-4818 973-202-4818, District V B, Essex County - Suburban Essex, Kelly M. Mattheiss, District VB Ethics Committee 31 Vose Avenue, P.O. Box 118 South Orange, NJ 07079 973-763-5777 973-763-5777, District V C, Essex County - West Essex, Sarah Fehm Stewart, Duane Morris LLP 200 Campus Drive, Suite 300 Florham Park, NJ 07932-1007 973-424-2061 973-424-2061 , District VI, Hudson County, Daniel D’Alessandro, McCarter & English Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: 973-639-2053, District VII, Mercer County, John J. Zefutie, Colella Zefutie, LLC 116 Village Blvd., Ste. 200 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-981-9061, District VIII, Middlesex County, Barry J. Muller, Fox Rothschild 212 Carnegie Center, Suite 400 Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-895-6725, District IX, Monmouth County, Mark B. Watson, Daniel F. Sahin, PC P.O. Box 838 Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Phone: 609-503-7944, District X A, East Morris and Sussex Counties, District X B, West Morris and Sussex Counties, Caroline Record, Greenbaum Rowe Smith & Davis LLP 75 Livingston Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068 Phone: 973-267-2328, District XI, Passaic County, Michael J. Pasquale, 146 Rea Avenue Hawthorne, NJ 07506 Phone: 973-423-5127, District XII, Union County, Michael F. Brandman, Loumar Inc. 1122 Route 22, Suite 103 Mountainside, NJ 07092 Phone: 908-272-9255, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Donna P. Legband, Legband & D’Onofrio, LLC 93 South Finley Avenue Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Phone: 908-696-7977 908-696-7977, District XIV, Office of Attorney Ethics, Office of Attorney Ethics, Mountain View Office Park 840 Bear Tavern Road P.O. Box 963 Trenton, NJ 08625 Phone: 609-403-7800, District Fee Committees, District Fee Committee Secretary, District I, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, Kelly A. Dougherty, Law Offices of Michael Gaffney, LLC 1318 South Main Road, Suite 5B Vineland, NJ 08360 Phone: 856-777-5400 Fax: 856-777-5600, District IIA, Bergen County – North, Terrence J. Corriston, District IIA Fee Arbitration Committee Breslin & Breslin 41 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-4015, District IIB, Bergen County – South, Michael J. Sprague, District IIB Fee Arbitration Committee 25 Main Street, Suite 202 Court Plaza North Hackensack, NJ 07601 Phone: 201-342-3500, District IIIA, Ocean County, Lisa E. Halpern, P.O. Box 726 Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone: 732-244-7719, District IIIB, Burlington County, Albert M. Afonso, Afonso Archie Foley, PC 21 Route 130 South Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 Phone: 609-416-1333, District IV, Camden and Gloucester Counties, Marian I. Kelly, Popjoy & Kelly, LLC Two Echelon Plaza 221 Laurel Road, Suite 155 Voorhees, NJ 08043 Phone: 856-845-6181, District VA, Essex County – Newark, Michael J. Dee, O’Toole Scrivo 14 Village Park Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Phone: 973-239-5700, District VB, Essex County – Suburban Essex, Harvey S. Grossman, 80 Main Street, Suite 530 West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: 973-736-5858, District VC, Essex County – West Essex, Cheryl H. Burstein, Mandelbaum Barrett PC 3 Becker Farm Road, Suite 105 Roseland, New Jersey 07068 Phone: 973-736-4600, District VI, Hudson County, Mary Ann R. Andrews, 4617 Bergenline Avenue-Second Floor Union City, New Jersey 07087 Phone: 201-223-6660 Email: feearbitration@gmail.com, District VII, Mercer County, Rebecca R. Colón, Oswald & Zoschak, PC 34 Franklin Corner Road Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 Phone: 609-844-0488 609-844-0488, District VIII - Effective January 1, 2024, Middlesex County, Steven Nudelman, District VIII Fee Arbitration Committee P.O. Box 5600 Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Phone: 732-476-3206 Fax: 732-476-2429 Email: DFACVIII_Secretary@greenbaumlaw.com, District IX, Monmouth County, Thomas F. Shebell, III, Shebell & Shebell, L.L.C. 600 Broad Street, Suite 100 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 Phone: 732-663-1122 732-663-1122 Fax: 732-633-1144 Email: tshebell@shebell.com maponte@shebell.com (assistant), District X, Morris and Sussex Counties, Patricia Cistaro, Cistaro Law L.L.C. 5 Cold Hill Road South Suite 15 P.O. Box 294 Mendham, New Jersey 07945 Phone: 973-813-8100, District XI, Passaic County, Candice L. Drisgula, Drisgula Divorce & Family Law 1501 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 305 Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Phone: 973-872-1200 Fax: 973-872-1300 Email: candicedrisgula@gmail.com, District XII, Union County, Carol A. Jeney, Jeney Jeney & O’Connor, LLC 1953 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Phone: 908-322-9191, District XIII, Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren Counties, Olivier J. Kirmser, Kirmser Lamastra Cunningham & Skinner 202 Halls Mills Road – P.O. Box 1675 Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Phone: 908-572-3600
- Supreme Court Committee Reports, Reports are published for comment before the Supreme Court takes action on any proposed changes to the Rules of Court or other aspects of court operations. Instructions and deadlines for submitting comments are included with each report. The Court welcomes diverse viewpoints on any proposed changes. Attorneys and members of the public are invited to volunteer for Supreme Court Committees Supreme Court Committees . Search Year - All - 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Apply Filters Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on the "NextGen" Bar Examination Report Document(s): Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on the "NextGen" Bar Examination Notice to the Bar - June 6, 2025 Referenced Documents: Combined Appendices Comment period closed on July 7, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Courtroom Technology Requirements – Proposed HDMI Standard for Presentation of Electronic Media in New Jersey State Court Proceedings Notice to the Bar - April 2, 2025 Comment period closed on May 2, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #003 April 2, 2025 - Email Noah Zakim, Esq., of Zakim & Zakim, PC (Hackensack) #004 April 4, 2025 - Email John M. Krenzel, Esq. (Sayreville) #005 April 8, 2025 - Email James Crane, Esq.,Staff Attorney, South Jersey Legal Services, Inc. #006 April 9, 2025 - Email Lori C. Greenberg, Esq. (Marlton) #007 April 10, 2025 - Email Fred Iskowitz, Esq, (Chatham) #008 April 21, 2025 - Email Bruce E. Gudin, Esq., of Ehrlich Petriello Gudin Plaza & Reed, PC (Newark) #009 April 25, 2025 - Email Steven Lieberman, Esq. (Somerville) #010 April 25, 2025 - Email Daniel F. Deraney, Esq.(Pompton Lakes) #011 April 16, 2025 - Letter Travis J. Richards, Esq., of Greenblatt, Lieberman, Richards & Weishoff, LLC (Mt. Holly) #012 April 28, 2025 - Email Catherine Weiss, Esq., for the Coalition of Tenant Advocates (Camden Coalition; Center for Justice Innovation; Community Health Law Project; Fair Share Housing Center; Lowenstein Center for the Public Interest; Office of Eviction Prevention, NJ Department of Community Affairs; Housing Justice Project, Center for Social Justice, Seton Hall Law School; Housing Justice Project, Rutgers Law School; Make the Road New Jersey; NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence; Volunteer Lawyers for Justice; Volunteer UP Legal Clinic). #013 April 28, 2025 - Letter Lindsay R. Baretz, Esq., Law Office of Lindsay R. Baretz, LLC (Lodi) #014 April 28, 2025 - Letter Sean M. Benoit, Esq., Director of Litigation, Community Health Law Project #015 April 28, 2025 - Letter Jessica Torres, Continuum of Care Coordinator, and Rafael Romero, Continuum of Care Manager, for Essex County Comprehensive Emergency Assistance/Continuum of Care #016 April 28, 2025 - Letter Nicholas J. Kikis, Vice-President for Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, New Jersey Apartment Association #017 April 28, 2025 - Letter Tracey Goldstein, Esq., of Goldstein Kelin, LLC (Livingston) #018 April 28, 2025 - Letter Maura Sanders, Esq., Practice Section Chief Counsel for Housing, and Dawn K. Miller, Esq., President, Legal Services of New Jersey #019 April 28, 2025 - Letter Cohen Marraccini, LLC (Hainesport) (submitted by Jessica P. Schachner, Esq., Managing Attorney) #020 April 30, 2025 - Email Sheila S. Hatami, Esq., Law Offices of Sheila S. Hatami, LLC (Freehold) #023 May 19, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by Christine A. Amalfe, Esq., President (see also Comments #002 and #021) #024 May 21, 2025 - Email Kevin M. Baron (East Orange) #025 May 28, 2025 - Email Sheila S. Hatami, Esq., Law Offices of Sheila S. Hatami, LLC (Freehold) (see also Comment #020) #026 May 28, 2025 - Letter Maura Sanders, Esq., Practice Section Chief Counsel for Housing, and Dawn K. Miller, Esq., President, Legal Services of New Jersey (see also Comment #018) Proposed Amendments to Landlord Tenant Forms and Processes Notice to the Bar - March 27, 2025 Comment period closed on April 28, 2025 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Supplemental Report from the 2023-2025 Criminal Practice Committee Report Document(s): Supplemental Report from the 2023-2025 Criminal Practice Committee Notice to the Bar - April 9, 2025 Comment period closed on May 9, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on the "NextGen" Bar Examination Notice to the Bar - Feb. 19, 2025 Comment period closed on March 19, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Family - Comments Sought on Proposed Rule Amendments as Recommended by the Judiciary Special Committee on the Non-Dissolution (FD) Docket Notice to the Bar - Feb. 14, 2025 Comment period closed on March 17, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #001 March 14, 2025 - Letter Gregory B. Thomlinson, Esq., Chair, Ocean County Bar Association Family Law Committee #002 March 21, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., President (see also Comments #021 and #023) #024 May 21, 2025 - Email Kevin M. Baron (East Orange) 2023-2025 Supreme Court Rules Committee Reports - Family Practice Committee Report Document(s): family-practice-2023-2025 Addendum to 2023-20255 Family Practice Committee Report – Macpherson Report on Child Support Guidelines Notice to the Bar - Jan. 21, 2025 Comment period closed on March 21, 2025 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #001-Recommendations of the Supreme Court Joint Working Group on Arbitration Rules and Procedures Jan. 22, 2025 - Email Alexander W. Ross, Jr., Esq. (Weber Gallagher (Mt. Laurel)) #002-Recommendations of the Supreme Court Joint Working Group on Arbitration Rules and Procedures Jan. 31, 2025 - Letter Richard S. Kopelton, Esq. (Kopelton & Tambi, LLC (Wayne)) #003-Recommendations of the Supreme Court Joint Working Group on Arbitration Rules and Procedures Feb. 28, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., President Recommendations of the Supreme Court Joint Working Group on Arbitration Rules and Procedures Notice to the Bar - Jan. 21, 2025 Comment period closed on Feb. 28, 2025 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Attorney Well-Being – Succession Planning Strategies Notice to the Bar - Jan. 15, 2025 Comment period closed on Feb. 21, 2025 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #002 March 21, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., President (see also Comments #021 and #023) #024 May 21, 2025 - Email Kevin M. Baron (East Orange) 2023-2025 Supreme Court Rules Committee Reports - Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee Report Document(s): Report of the Supreme Court Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement 2023 - 2025 Term Notice to the Bar - Jan. 21, 2025 Comment period closed on March 21, 2025 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #002 March 21, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., President (see also Comments #021 and #023) 2023-2025 Supreme Court Rules Committee Reports - Municipal Court Practice Committee Report Document(s): Report of the Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Practice 2023 - 2025 Term Notice to the Bar - Jan. 21, 2025 Comment period closed on March 21, 2025 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Proposed (a) Cybersecurity/AI/Technology CLE Requirement and (b) RPC Comment on Maintaining Technological Competence Notice to the Bar - Nov. 19, 2024 Comment period closed on Dec. 20, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Proposed Rule Amendments to (1) Align with Revisions to Job Specifications for Family AS4 Positions; and (2) To Conform to Legislation Eliminating Uses for Juvenile Referees Notice to the Bar - Oct. 15, 2024 Comment period closed on Nov. 15, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Proposed 2025 Attorney Discipline Budget Notice to the Bar - Oct. 2, 2024 Comment period closed on Nov. 4, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter 2018-2024 Report of the Professional Responsibility Rules Committee (PRRC) Report Document(s): 2018-2024 Report of the Professional Responsibility Rules Committee (PRRC) Notice to the Bar - Sept. 30, 2024 Comment period closed on Oct. 30, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Family: (1) Technical Amendments to Dissolution (FM) Case Management Order (Rules Appendix X); (2) Request for Comments on Proposed Removal of Order as a Rules Appendix Notice to the Bar - June 12, 2024 Comment period closed on July 12, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Proposed Amendments to Rule 3:26-2 ("Authority to Set Conditions of Pretrial Release") Notice to the Bar - June 5, 2024 Comment period closed on July 8, 2024 No comments received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter Report of the Judiciary Working Group on Tax Sale Foreclosures Report Document(s): Report of the Judiciary Working Group on Tax Sale Foreclosures Notice to the Bar - Feb. 7, 2024 Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #001 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 22, 2024 - Letter James J. Curry, Jr., Esq. (Toms River) #002 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 22, 2024 - Email Victoria Katz, Esq. Senior Rules Attorney, Aderant #003 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 26, 2024 - Letter New Jersey Association for Justice, by Patricia M. Giordano, Esq., President #004 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 27, 2024 - Letter Hudson County Bar Association Civil Practice Committee, by John J. Clark IV, Esq. #005 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil, Tax March 29, 2024 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by Timothy F. McGoughran, Esq. President #006 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 27, 2024 - Letter Center for Social Justice (Seton Hall U School of Law) Housing Justice Project, by Diane K. Smith, Esq. Managing Attorney (on behalf of a coalition of tenants’ rights advocates) #007 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 29, 2024 - Letter Legal Services of New Jersey, by Maura Sanders, Esq., Chief Counsel for Housing, and Dawn K. Miller, Esq. President #008 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil May 9, 2024 - Letter Conference of General Equity Presiding Judges and Committee of Probate Part Judges, by Judge Jodi Lee Alper and Judge Robert J. Mega #009 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil March 28, 2024 - Memo Conference of Family Presiding Judges, by Judge Rodney Thompson #010 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil May 29, 2024 - Comments New Jersey Citizen Action, by Laura Waddell, Health Care Program Director #011 - 2022-2024 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Civil May 29, 2024 - Comments New Jersey Appleseed Public Interest Law Center, by Executive Director Renée Steinhagen, Esq. 2022-2024 Supreme Court Rules Committee Reports - Civil Report Document(s): 2024 Civil Practice Committee Notice to the Bar - Feb. 2, 2024 Comment period closed on March 29, 2024 Comments Received Comments Comment ID Date & Mode Name of Commenter #021 May 9, 2025 - Letter New Jersey State Bar Association, by William H. Mergner, Jr., Esq., President (see also Comments #002 and #023) #022 May 14, 2025 - Letter New Jersey Public Defender Jennifer N. Sellitti, Esq.,Office of the Public Defender #024 May 21, 2025 - Email Kevin M. Baron (East Orange) 2023-2025 Supreme Court Committee Reports - Criminal Practice Committee Report Document(s): Report of the Supreme Court Committee on Criminal Practice 2023 - 2025 Term Notice to the Bar - Jan. 21, 2025 Comment period closed on March 21, 2025 Comments Received Pagination 1 Go to page 2 2 Go to page 3 3 Go to last page 13 Last page Go to next page > Next page Showing 1 to 20 of 245 items
- Adult Guardianship, The Judiciary provides instructions and resources for people who want to seek guardianship for an incapacitated person. Body, Guardianship Overview, The Superior Court can assign a Guardian guardian to care for an adult who cannot care for themselves. First, the court must determine whether a person is Incapacitated incapacitated . Until the court decides, the person is an Alleged incapacitated person (AIP) alleged incapacitated person (AIP) . After the court determines incapacitation, they become a protected person or ward. Examples of Incapacitation incapacitation include: Mental illness or deficiency. Physical illness or disability. Chronic drug use. Chronic alcoholism. Developmental disability. There are three types of guardianship:, Guardianship of the person and estate., The guardian is responsible for the individual’s healthcare and financial management. This applies when the ward also has assets that qualify as an estate. Guardianship of the person Guardianship of the person only . This applies when the ward needs to be looked after but does not have assets to manage. Guardianship of the estate Guardianship of the estate only . The guardian only manages the ward’s financial affairs. The court determines if the individual needs general or limited guardianship. General Guardianship. General Guardianship . The guardian can exercise all rights and powers of the incapacitated person. Limited Guardianship Limited Guardianship . The guardian’s role is less intrusive and more individualized., Forms and the Guardianship Process, If you are seeking to represent yourself in a guardianship case, please visit our Guardianship Self-Help self-help resources page. The Civil Division, Superior Court works with county surrogates in guardianship cases. The initial guardianship request is filed with the County surrogate’s office county surrogate’s office . A Superior Court judge Superior Court judge then hears and decides on the case. If incapacitation is determined, the court-appointed guardian must qualify with the county surrogate. Potential guardians can file for a standard guardianship. If the AIP is eligible for benefits from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) , there are special filing instructions. The alleged incapacitation person needs to be examined by a doctor. A second doctor or psychologist must also Certify certify the condition. The following forms are required in standard guardianships: Adult Guardianship - Certification of Physician or Psychologist Certification of Physician or Psychologist (2). A doctor must certify the AIP’s condition. A second doctor or psychologist needs certify the condition. The personal examinations must be within 30 days of filing. You will complete the top section. The health professional(s) will complete the rest of the form Adult Guardianship - Case Information Statement (CIS) Case Information Sheet (CIS) . This form outlines the details of the case. Instructions are provided with the form. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Assets Certification of Assets . This form lists all property and income of the AIP. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Criminal and Civil Judgment History Certification of Criminal and Civil Judgment History . This form lists the criminal and civil history of the potential guardian. Adult Guardianship - Order Fixing Hearing Date and Appointing Attorney for Alleged Incapacitated Person Order Fixing Guardianship Hearing Date . The court needs to set a court date and assign an attorney for the AIP. Adult Guardianship - Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person and Estate Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person and Estate , or Adult Guardianship - Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) of the Person . For DDD eligible AIPs, the guardian will complete either of these two packets: How to Apply for Guardianship of the Person and Estate (Property) of an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) How to Apply for the Guardianship of the Person and Estate Adult Guardianship - How to Apply for Guardianship of the Person of an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) How to Apply for the Guardianship of a Person Only All guardianship cases require a fee of $200. After filing, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the AIP and set a court date. Attorneys will need to follow the Guidelines for Court-Appointed Attorneys in Guardianship Matters Guidelines for Court-Appointed Attorneys in Guardianship Matters and complete the Adult Guardianship - Report of Court-Appointed Counsel for the Alleged Incapacitated Person Report of Court-Appointed Counsel for the Alleged Incapacitated Person. During the hearing the potential guardian must prove incapacitation. If successful, the judge completes the Judgment judgment of incapacity and appoints the guardian(s). Court-appointed guardians must then Qualify qualify with the county surrogate. The guardian needs to affirm their willingness and ability to act as guardian. Once they qualify, they receive Letters of Guardianship. These are the official documents authorizing the person(s) to act as guardian. Guardians will also purchase Short certificates short certificates. These are shortened versions of the Letters of Guardianship that can be given as proof of guardianship. Guardians of the estate receive compensation. The amount guardians are paid is based on the total value of the estate. Guardians can also receive a percentage of any income earned by the estate. All guardians should be familiar with the Guardian Monitoring Program Brochure Guardianship of the Person , Guardianship of the Estate Guardian of the Estate - Summary of Responsibilities Guardianship of the Estate, and Guardianship Reporting Forms brochures, and should view the tutorial on court-appointed guardianship ., Guardianship Monitoring Program and Oversight , The Guardian Monitoring Program Brochure Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) provides an ongoing relationship between the guardians and the courts. Guardians are typically loving family members or friends. At times, an attorney can act as guardian. Most guardians care for and protect their ward. However, the authority entrusted to guardians can create opportunities for abuse. The court system is devoted to eliminating those opportunities. Qualified volunteers in the GMP GMP track and report guardian actions. Volunteers enter information in the Guardianship Monitoring System (GMS). The GMS is a statewide database used by all counties to track guardian activities. Volunteers review guardian reports, financial records, doctor certifications and more. They compare the reports to original case files. This helps identify discrepancies that could signal abuse. In these instances, GMP volunteers file reports with the court. Typically, they go to the judge who originally heard the case. The reports will include recommendations for disciplinary actions. Guardians are required to treat their wards with dignity and integrity. They must follow all court rules and file periodic reports. These reports include: Adult Guardianship - Report of the Guardian Cover Page Report of Guardian Cover Page . This form is required with all guardian reports. It provides summary information about the guardianship. This includes any changes or updates to the ward’s condition or estate. Adult Guardianship - Report of Well-Being Report of Well-Being . A report to keep the court informed of protected person’s overall care. Adult Guardianship - Certification of Examining Professional Certificate of Examining Professional . This form is completed and filed in the initial guardianship request. Updated certifications are required. These helps alert the court of any changes in the protected person’s health conditions. Adult Guardianship - EZ-Accounting Form EZ Accounting Form and Additional Accounting Form Pages additional pages . This form is for simple accounting, typically when there is no estate or a very small estate. Adult Guardianship - Comprehensive Accounting Form Comprehensive Accounting Form . This report is for more complex estates. Guardians are required to complete Certification of Assets when filing for guardianship. After guardianship is established, they must complete the Adult Guardianship - Guardian Inventory Guardian Inventory . Volunteers can then compare the accounting forms to these initial forms to identify any issues regarding the estate. Due to the complex nature of guardianship monitoring, volunteers need specialized skill sets. Volunteers should have experience or interest in learning how to read and understand legal documents. Volunteers can also have experience or interest in understanding financial documents. Qualified volunteers will also be interviewed to determine their ability to serve in this function. https://www.njcourts.gov/public/overview-volunteer-services/gmp Learn more about volunteering for the GMP Volunteer Application Apply to become a GMP Volunteer, Additional Oversight, The court considers itself legally responsible to care for protected persons. From the very start of the process, the court’s goal is what’s in the best interest of the AIP/protected person. This starts with appointing counsel to represent the AIP. The assigned attorney must be a “zealous advocate” for their client. Guardians of the Estate may also be required to post a surety bond surety bond . This helps protect the ward’s assets. The surety bond can be paid from the estate. If the guardian violates the terms of the guardianship, the bond company can sue them for the bond amount. The ward’s friends and family have the right see if the person is being treated fairly. They can ask the court to review financial records. Interested parties can use the Adult Guardianship - How to File a Motion in a Guardianship Case Motion Kit to file with the court. Examples of guardianship motions: Modify guardianship protection. Modify reporting requirements. Review a guardian’s conduct. Review a guardianship., Guardianship Terms, Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) : The alleged incapacitated person (or AIP) is the individual over whom the plaintiff(s) is/are seeking guardianship. Certification : A certification is a statement that certain facts are true to the best of the knowledge of the person making the statement. It is like an affidavit, but it is not sworn before a notary or other authorized person. County of Settlement : The county of settlement is the county responsible for a share of the charge incurred for services provided to persons unable to pay. Typically, this is the AIP’s county of residence at the time of application for DDD services. However, it is possible that the county of residence and county of settlement may be different depending on the residential history of the AIP. County Surrogate : The county surrogate is an elected Constitutional Officer who serves as judge of the Surrogate’s Court for uncontested probate and estate matters. A Surrogate also serves as Deputy Clerk to the Superior Court for the Probate Part, including guardianships of incapacitated adults, as well as adoptions in the Family Part. Docket Number : A docket number is the number the court assigns to your case so that it may be identified and located easily. Once you have a docket number, you must include it on all your communications with the court. File : To file means to give the correct forms and fee to the court to begin the court’s consideration of your request. General Guardianship : General guardianship is a “complete in every respect” type of guardianship in which the guardian is able to exercise all rights and powers of the incapacitated person in terms of the area of responsibility he or she is granted. Also known as full or plenary guardianship. Guardian : A guardian is an individual appointed by the court with authority over the person and/or the estate of an adjudicated incapacitated person. A guardian may have general or limited authority. Guardian of the Estate : An individual appointed by the court to handle the financial affairs of another person who has been adjudicated incapacitated. Unlike a guardian of the person, a guardian of the estate is not responsible for decisions regarding the personal well-being of the protected person. Rather, the guardian of the estate handles assets, income, expenses and liabilities. Guardian of the Person : An individual appointed by the court to handle the personal affairs of another person who has been adjudicated incapacitated. Unlike a guardian of the estate, a guardian of the person does not manage the financial affairs of the incapacitated person, except that a guardian of the person may serve as representative payee for Social Security benefits. Guardianship Monitoring Program (GMP) : In New Jersey, the Guardianship Monitoring Program is a statewide monitoring program implemented in all 21 counties as of 2014. Through the GMP, trained volunteers review the reports filed by guardians of incapacitated persons and flag issues that require further attention. Incapacitated Person : An individual adjudicated by the court as unable to govern himself or herself and/or unable to manage his or her affairs. Also known as a protected person or ward. Formerly referred to as an incompetent. Incapacity : Inability to govern oneself and/or to manage one’s affairs. Incapacity may be general (as to all areas) or limited (as to specific areas only). Interested Parties : A person or agency that has an involvement with the incapacitated person who is the subject of the guardianship. Interested parties (or parties in interest) are typically the same individuals entitled to notice of the initial application for guardianship – i.e., the incapacitated person’s spouse, parent, adult child, county of settlement, DDD. Judgment : The official decision of a court in a case. For purposes of guardianship, Judgment refers to the Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment, also known as the Judgment of Incapacity and Order Appointing Guardian. Letters of Guardianship : Letters of Guardianship are documents issued by the County Surrogate upon an individual’s qualification as guardian, after the entry of a Judgment by the Superior Court. Limited Guardianship : A less intrusive, more individualized, type of guardianship in which a guardian is appointed with authority as to some – but not all – areas. A limited guardianship is established based upon a court’s finding that the person alleged to be incapacitated lacks the capacity to do some, but not all, of the tasks necessary to care for himself or herself. Proof of Service : Proof of Service is documentation showing that parties actually received the papers that you sent to them. Service is established for all parties other than the alleged incapacitated person by a certification that the documents were sent by regular mail and certified mail, and the regular mail was not returned to you. If the signed return receipt (green cards) are received, these may be attached to the certification of service. As to the alleged incapacitated person, you must file a certification stating that he or she was personally served. Qualification : A process conducted before the County Surrogate, or Surrogate’s staff, following entry of a Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment. As part of qualification , the person appointed as guardian affirms his or her willingness to fulfill the duties of a guardian. If a bond is required, the bond must be posted in order for the guardian to qualify and obtain Letters of Guardianship. Restricted Assets : Assets over which a guardian of the estate does not exercise full control. The most common restricted asset is real property. The restriction can be found in the Judgment and sometimes the Letters of Guardianship. It typically provides that the guardian of the estate “cannot sell, transfer, mortgage, or otherwise encumber the real property of the incapacitated person absent court approval.” Service : Delivery of papers in a legally appropriate way. For example, notice of an application for appointment of a guardian is served upon the alleged incapacitated person by personal service, meaning that copies of the papers are personally delivered. Short Certificates : Short forms of the Letters of Guardianship, stating that by judgment of a particular date, the guardian was appointed with authority of the person and/or estate of the named incapacitated person. A short certificate will state that as of the date it was issued, the guardianship remains in effect. Additional short certificates may be purchased by a guardian, from the Surrogate, for $5.00 each as long as the guardianship remains in effect. Unlike the original Letters of Guardianship, short certificates should be provided to doctors, care facilities, and other institutions that require proof of a guardian’s authority. Superior Court Judge : For purposes of guardianships, the judge of the Superior Court, Probate Part, who decides if the alleged incapacitated person is in fact incapacitated and in need of a guardian. The Superior Court judge makes the substantive decisions about the guardianship, including the determination of capacity and the choice of guardian. The Superior Court judge conducts any hearing(s) and signs the Judgment of Incapacity and Guardian Appointment. Surety Bond : A contract between at least three parties: the obligee (the party who is the recipient of an obligation), the principal (the primary party who will perform the contractual obligation) and the surety (who assures the obligee that the principal can perform the task). A bond functions much like an insurance policy so that if the guardian of the estate steals or misuses the money, or makes some other mistake, the incapacitated person will be protected. The price of that insurance policy (the bond premium) can be paid from the guardianship estate. Surrogate’s Court : A county office headed by the County Surrogate that may be in the same location as the Superior Court or may be in a different location. The Surrogate’s Court is the filing court for Probate Part actions, including actions to appoint a guardian. It is also where the guardian goes to qualify after entry of the Judgment. Verified Complaint : A verified complaint is a sworn document in which the plaintiff tells the court the facts of the case and states what relief is sought.
- NJ Supreme Court History, Body, Overview of the Supreme Court, Welcome to the New Jersey Supreme Court Virtual Museum. Here you will find detailed biographical information about the chief justices and associate justices who have served on the court since the adoption of the 1947 New Jersey Constitution, notable cases, speeches, correspondence, videos and photographs of the court and court-related people and institutions. Equally important, and interesting, you will find the life stories of some of the most dynamic people in New Jersey’s history. The website is a work in progress and will be updated often. New Jersey has had a Court bearing the title “Supreme Court” since before we became a state on Dec. 18, 1787. However, the Supreme Court did not become the state’s highest appellate court until 1948. New Jersey’s first constitution in 1776 included a Court of Appeals, which was then the state’s court of last resort. The state constitution of 1844 established the Court of Errors and Appeals, which derived its name from its function of hearing appeals and correcting errors of lower courts. That Court was abolished when the 1947 state constitution established today’s New Jersey Supreme Court, which held its first session in its courtroom in the Statehouse Annex in Trenton on Sept. 15, 1948. Biographical profiles of the first six Chief Justices to serve under the 1947 Constitution are contained below. Each of them were high-energy people who understood the importance of their role as a leader of the “Third Branch” of New Jersey Government. The New Jersey Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and six associate justices. As the highest appellate court, the Supreme Court reviews cases from the lower courts. Most litigants must request that the court hear their appeal by filing conflicting Appellate Division decisions. In very limited circumstances, such as where a judge in the Appellate Division files a dissenting opinion, a party can appeal as of right to the Supreme Court. In deciding the cases that come before it, the court interprets the New Jersey and the U.S Constitution, New Jersey statutes, administrative regulations of the state’s governmental agencies and the body of common law. Chief Justice Stuart Rabner also serves as the administrative head for the court system and oversees the management of the state's courts., State of New Jersey Constitutional Convention of 1947 Committee on The Judiciary, N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page v N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 5 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page vi N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 6 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page vii N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 7 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page viii N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 8 N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page ix N.J. Constitutional Convention: Vol. 4, Page 9, Governor Alfred E. Driscoll's Role in the Court's Formation, Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Alfred Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Carousel Image Preview Governor Alfred E. Driscoll Previous Next, Court System Before the 1947 Constitutional Convention, As discussed in the biographical sketches of the Chief Justices contained in this website, Arthur Vanderbilt was the indispensable bridge between a court system that worked only for political insiders to one that became a role model in the United States. The basic framework of New Jersey’s court system prior to 1947 was created during the colonial era and prevailed for nearly two centuries. On July 2, 1776, the day that New Jersey’s provincial congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, it also approved our first constitution. Working in the shadow of war, the committee hastily crafted a document transferring all the powers of the royal governor to the legislature, making the new governor a mere figurehead, and creating s court system akin to Great Britain, but dominated by the legislature. Despite the 13 years between adoption of the Revolution-era constitution, and the new U.S. Constitution in 1789, no thought was given to taking a second look at the original charter. The state’s constitution was so poorly drawn that it drew the attention of James Madison who cited New Jersey’s constitution as inferior in Federalist Papers #47, warning: “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” The result was a court system dominated by politicians with no regard for the rule of law. Calls for revision of the constitution in 1790, 1797, 1819, 1827, and 1840, all failed. Finally, in 1844, a constitutional convention proposed a new constitution which was approved by the voters. Yet even then, little changed, particularly the courts which grew more chaotic and corrupt. Following the turn of the 20th Century, and as other courts across America were being reformed to keep pace with the modern world, “Jersey justice” was the label attached to the rickety, corrupt conglomeration of courts that legal scholars and historians alike cited as the most archaic judicial system in America. As shown by the pre-1947 chart, our court system was so antiquated and incoherent that only the well-heeled, armed with politically connected lawyers, were confident of fair treatment. For anyone else, beware. After more than two decades of battling, Arthur Vanderbilt and others had built a strong coalition of supporters from the legal, political and social communities, resulting in the approval of a June 1947 referendum providing for a constitutional convention convened at Rutgers University. The result was a modern unitary court system insuring accountability, coherence and respect for litigants. See more information on the Dept. of State websitel See more information on the Dept. of State website ., Supreme Court Historical Advisory Board, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner formed the New Jersey Supreme Court Historical Advisory Board to preserve and promote and to educate the public on the rich history of the state’s highest appellate court., Chair, Judge Nelson C. Johnson (ret.) Judge James H. Coleman Jr. (ret.). - Advisory Board Past Chair Judge Stewart G. Pollock (ret.) - Advisory Board Past Chair, Members, Hon. Nelson C. Johnson (ret.), Chair Hon. James H. Coleman, Jr. (ret.) Advisory Board Past Chair Hon. Stewart G. Pollock (ret.) Advisory Board Past Chair Heather Joy Baker Hon. Avion Benjamin Hon. John W. Bissell (ret.) Michael J. Blee, J.A.D. Steven D. Bonville Hon. Maritza Berdote Byrne Hon. Phillip S. Carchman (ret.) Hon. Amy Piro Chambers (ret.) Dean Ronald K. Chen Thomas Curtin Hon. Linda R. Feinberg (ret.) Hon. John A. Jorgensen Hon. Virginia A. Long (ret.) Hon. Paulette Sapp-Peterson (ret.) Hon. Edwin H. Stern (ret.) Hon. Menelaos Toskos (ret.) Professor John B. Wefing Professor Robert F. Williams For more information about the board, its work or to donate photographs, documents and artifacts related to the New Jersey Supreme Court, contact Mike Mathis , Communications and Community Relations, at Mike.Mathis@njcourts.gov 609-815-2900 ext. 52352
- Modifying a Divorce Order, File a motion to make a change to a court order in your divorce. Filing a Motion: If you need to change or enforce the court order in your divorce, you must file a motion with the same court that issued the court order. A motion is a written request asking the court to change something in the order or make the other party comply with the terms of the order. Common reasons to file a motion include: to increase or decrease child support payments to increase or decrease alimony or spousal support payments to change the custody arrangements of a minor child to change the visitation/parenting time arrangements to relocate children to another state to emancipate a child, which ends child support obligation to get reimbursement of medical expenses to “enforce litigant’s rights,” (tell the court that the other party is not complying with the order and ask the court to make the party do so) How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case The kit has several forms that you must fill out and file with the court. You will also have to send a copy of everything you file to your ex-spouse., Important Note, : There are very specific time frames for selecting a motion date, for filing and for getting the motion papers to your ex-spouse—contact the family division in the county where you are filing to make sure you understand and meet these deadlines., 7 Steps to file a motion to change or enforce an order in your divorce case, Complete all of the forms in the kit. Choose a motion date. Directory of Superior Court Family Division Offices Contact the Family Division where your divorce was granted and ask for a motion date at least one month away. Make 3 copies of all of the forms, and 5 copies of the proposed order. Keep one copy for yourself in a safe place. If Probation Services monitors child support in your case, make an extra copy of all of the forms. Redact Redact , or black out, the Personal Identifier personal identifiers on the copies you will submit to the court. Attach the $50 filing fee. Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts fee waiver request form if needed . You also can mail the originals plus two copies of all of the documents, plus the fee, to the Family Division Manager Conference Contact List Family Division of the Superior Court where your divorce was granted. Mail or deliver one copy of all of the documents to your ex-spouse. They must receive the papers at least 24 days before the motion date you have selected., Responding to a Motion:, If you have received papers stating that your ex-spouse has filed a motion with the court, you can respond by preparing and filing a Certification within the appropriate timeframe. You can use the How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) Certification form in this packet and attach any documents that you believe will support what you state in the form., Filing a Cross-Motion:, You can also use this packet to file a How to Ask the Court to Change or Enforce an Order in Your Case (Family Multipurpose Post-Judgment Motions) cross-motion , meaning you are asking the court to take action on your behalf, in addition to opposing whatever the other party has asked for. You must file your Certification (and Cross-Motion if you are filing one) with the court and send or deliver a full copy to your ex-spouse no later than 15 days prior to the motion date. If you filed a Cross-Motion as well as a response to the original motion, your ex-spouse can respond in writing to the information in your Cross-Motion no later than 8 days prior to the motion date., Outcome of a Motion:, A motion date is not a trial. There might not be an actual court hearing on the motion date. Most motions are decided “on the papers.” The judge reviews the arguments and proofs each person has provided and decides the motion on that basis. Both the person filing the motion and the person responding to it can request "oral argument" in their motion papers. This means that they are asking for an actual court hearing with the judge, so they can be heard in person. However, it is up to the judge to decide if this will be necessary. Even if oral argument is granted and there is an actual hearing, a decision on the motion may not occur on that same day. In some cases, it may take weeks or longer to receive the written order stating the judge’s decision. When the motion is decided, each person will receive a copy of the signed order that states the decision on each request made in the motion.
- Appealing a contested divorce case, Either party can appeal a decision in a contested divorce case. You cannot file an appeal if your case was uncontested., When to Glossary Terms file, The appeal must be filed in the Appellate Division of Superior Court within 45 days of the court’s decision., Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?, You do not have to have a lawyer to appeal your case. Be aware, however, that the appeals process can be confusing. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can., Things to think about before representing yourself in court, While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help. We can explain and answer questions about how the court works. We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court. We can give you some information from your case file. We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available. We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms. We can usually answer questions about court deadlines. We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice. We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court. We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court. We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service. We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case. We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court. We cannot change an order issued by a judge., Steps to file an appeal, File a Notice of Appeal. Request a Requesting a Superior Court or Tax Court Transcript for Your Appeal transcript of your case from the Appellate Division. You must have the official transcript in order for your appeal to be considered. Complete a Case Information Statement. How to Appeal a Trial Court, Tax Court or State Agency Decision Use the How to File an Appeal self-help kit., Filing Fees, $250 must be submitted with the Notice of Appeal. This is the cost of the appeal. $300 must be submitted with to the clerk of the Appellate Division within 30 days of filing the Notice of Appeal. This will be refunded if you win your appeal. If you lose your appeal, the money can be used to pay settlement or court costs., Do you qualify for a Fee Waivers fee waiver ?, If you received a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can attach a copy of the order and a signed letter that says your finances have not changed since the case was filed. If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a If you did not receive a fee waiver in your divorce case, you can submit a How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts request for a fee waiver with your appeal ., Send copies of your appeals document to:, All parties in the case who appeared in court The local Superior Court office that handled your divorce case The judge who decided your small claims case, Keep a copy of each document for yourself., Preparing your appeal, You will need to prepare a brief, which is a document that explains why your appeal should be granted. Questions about your appeal? Call the , Appellate Division Clerk’s Office, at 609-815-2950 .