Statement from NJSBA President Jeralyn L. Lawrence
The New Jersey State Bar Association is disappointed that the Judiciary will suspend civil and matrimonial trials in six out of 21 New Jersey counties due to a lack of judges. This drastic, unprecedented step underscores the ongoing failure by the state Legislature and Governor to fill vacant judge seats. As the Judiciary noted, there are currently 69 vacancies throughout the trial courts—down only slightly from the historic high of 75 last year—with additional vacancies looming. A justice system this devoid of judges simply cannot serve the state’s residents, who rely on the courts to adjudicate cases and bestow justice equally, impartially and in a timely manner. The suspension of civil and matrimonial trials will directly impact families engaged in custody, parenting time and child support disputes, and leave personal injury victims with little recourse as their cases stall.
For more than a year, the NJSBA has pressed state leaders to fulfill their Constitutional duties and return the Judiciary to a co-equal branch of government by confirming a full complement of judges. We have met with leaders in the Governor’s office and the state Senate and have been outspoken advocates in asking the Governor and Legislature to fill empty judge positions. Our Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee has diligently reviewed candidates. But despite these efforts, a staggering and catastrophic number of vacancies remain. To prevent further harm to New Jersey residents, it is imperative that the Governor nominate and the state Senate provide advice and consent on qualified judicial candidates immediately.
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NJSBA President Jeralyn L. Lawrence Statement on the Suspension of Civil and Matrimonial Trials in Six Counties
Contact: NJSBA Communications Department
Tel: 732-937-7527
Email: [email protected]