The lingering crisis of judicial vacancies in New Jersey’s Superior Court may be nearing its end, as the number of open seats has dwindled to 47, with 14 nominees now awaiting confirmation. According to a report disclosed by the New Jersey Law Journal, the vacancy situation that has persisted for several years might be seeing a resolution.
Last year, acknowledging the extent of the crisis, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner suspended all civil and matrimonial trials in Vicinages 13 and 15. These vicinages cover some of the most densely populated areas including Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties, as well as Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. The measures were deemed necessary as the courts had to prioritize proceedings where an individual’s liberty was at stake. Clearly, the lack of judges had begun to put the state’s judiciary under strain.
The situation has spurred discussion and highlighted the concern of many legal professionals. As pointed out by former Supreme Court Justice Barry T. Albin, “There is no good reason why the judiciary should not have a full complement of judges.” With over 60,000 practicing attorneys in the state, the hope is that the highest caliber of judges can be selected to fill the vacancies and sustain a fully equipped judiciary.
As the nomination and confirmation process progresses, the legal fraternity keenly monitors in anticipation of an end to New Jersey’s judicial vacancy conundrum. While the situation does seem to be improving, only time can affirm whether the crisis has been effectively brought to a close.