Supreme Court Outlines New Action Plan for Ensuring Equal Justice

The New Jersey Supreme Court has issued the fourth installment of its Action Plan for Ensuring Equal Justice, identifying a new set of nine initiatives that seek to eliminate barriers to justice for people of color and other historically marginalized groups.  

The Court issued its first Action Plan in 2020. To date, it has overseen and authorized improvements in 27 areas, with some reforms yielding direct benefits to people involved with the courts and others building the foundation for systemic change within and beyond the justice system.

“Through the Action Plan, the New Jersey Supreme Court reaffirms its commitment to advance specific, measurable objectives that support the cause of justice and equity for all who come in contact with the courts,” Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said.

Among the nine initiatives outlined in the 2023 report, the Court will seek to: 

• refine court processes involving financial obligations so that court-imposed fines and fees are structured in a manner that avoids inequitable burdens for people with lesser financial means.
• leverage technology to improve access to court language services, so that court users receive interpreting services and translation support from the outset of their court involvement.
•  provide more information to family members of court-involved people with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities so that they can more effectively navigate the court system.
• improve protections for at-risk older adults in New Jersey, including through implementation of the recommendations of the Judiciary Elder Justice Working Group.

 The report, available at njcourts.gov, also documents the progress achieved in the nine areas announced in the 2022 Action Plan and includes links to additional information and resources.