Courts
Juries mulling child assault cases must be told corporal punishment is legal, court rules
In New Jersey, physical punishment such as spanking and slapping is forbidden in schools but allowed in homes, as long as it’s not so severe it leaves bruises, marks, or injuries.
Drug recognition experts are reliable enough to provide evidence, special master says
The court appointee was tasked with settling a dispute over the validity of testimony from officers trained to recognize when someone is drug-impaired.
Judicial vacancies poised to edge past 2020 high
The number of open spots in the state Superior Court could reach 67 by the end of the month.
Judge tosses defamation claim filed by former Cape May official
A Cape May official said an affordable housing advocate defamed him in a newspaper story about questionable city spending. A judge disagreed.
Three judges named temporarily to N.J. Supreme Court, as judicial vacancies persist
The appointment of the three temporary judges will allow the state's highest court to operate with a quorum when its 2022-23 term begins.
Judges revive civil rights case against Linden officials, state Senate president
A woman claims multiple Linden officials and others violated her civil rights over a 2007 harassment claim.
After six months in limbo, attorney general nomination advances to full Senate
Matt Platkin's confirmation as attorney general has been delayed because two key senators did not immediately sign off on his appointment.
N.J. Supreme Court clarifies when inmates can win compassionate release
The case is the first test of a 2021 law intended to broaden the number of people eligible to be released from prison because of physical incapacity.
N.J.’s lag in public record disputes ‘undermines transparency,’ watchdog says
N.J.'s Government Records Council takes almost two years to decide public records disputes. That's far too long, the state comptroller says.
Bipartisan bill would end ‘stranger loophole’ for restraining orders
The bill's sponsor says state law leaves few options for people who seek restraining orders against people they are not romantically involved with.
Port Authority boss accused of torpedoing sister’s police promotion
A Cedar Grove police captain says her brother — Port Authority chair Kevin O'Toole — derailed her police promotion because of a family feud.
Lawmakers take aim at lawsuits that quash public participation
New Jersey is one of 18 states that doesn't have an anti-SLAPP law that would thwart lawsuits intended to intimidate or silence critics.