Judiciary Update

75th Anniversary of the Modern New Jersey Judiciary

This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our court system as established by the 1947 New Jersey Constitution.? Today, we are continuing to realize the vision of our first Chief Justice, Arthur T. Vanderbilt, for a unified and centralized Judiciary. ?Our unique structure has several features that set us apart from most jurisdictions. ?In particular, the Constitution vests both judicial and administrative decision-making authority in the Chief Justice together with the support of a statewide Administrative Director of the Courts. ?The Chief Justice and the Supreme Court have constitutional responsibility for Court Rules and Procedures as well as the licensure and discipline of attorneys. This provides clarity and consistency in the implementation and operation of our courts statewide.

For the people we serve, our modern Judiciary provides an open door to justice and a court process that is transparent, predictable, and understandable. ?It makes it possible for all of us to continue to implement our vision and adhere to our core principles of independence, integrity, fairness, and quality service.

See the Supreme Court Virtual Museum for more information on the history of New Jersey’s modern court system.

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Opening of the 2023-2024 Court Year

Judges and court staff are celebrating the start of the 2023-2024 court year with new opportunities to serve the people of New Jersey.?

Under the leadership of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner, the New Jersey Supreme Court begins the new term with a full complement of justices, including the three new members since last September:? Associate Justice Rachel Wainer Apter, Associate Justice Douglas M. Fasciale, and Associate Justice Michael Noriega.

The Appellate Division opens the 2023-2024 term with recently designated Chief Judge Thomas Sumners, Jr. and Deputy Presiding Judge for Administration Heidi Willis Currier.

Over the next month, Assignment Judges in each of the 15 vicinages will welcome new law clerks and new local attorneys.? Upcoming “Opening of the Courts” and similar events provide a chance for reconnection and strengthening of relationships among members of the court community.? Among other topics, Assignment Judges will be speaking about challenges faced by law professionals and strategies to improve and sustain well-being.

The Tax Court starts 2023-2024 under the steady leadership of Presiding Judge Mala Sundar.?