New Jersey Assembly Bill A2353

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Confers title of Acting Associate Justice of the Supreme Court on certain judges of the Superior Court, Appellate Division, temporarily assigned to the Supreme Court.

Impact

If A2353 is enacted, the amendments will not only provide judges with official recognition for their temporary roles but also address potential ambiguities related to judge assignments. The retroactive application of this law from January 1, 2010, acknowledges prior incumbents and reinforces the continuity of judicial service over the years. This could have implications for the understanding of judges' tenure and their qualifications while serving in higher courts, thus potentially impacting judicial administration and record-keeping practices within the state’s legal framework.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2353 aims to formalize the title of 'Acting Associate Justice of the Supreme Court' for judges of the Superior Court, specifically from the Appellate Division, who are assigned temporarily to the Supreme Court. The bill stipulates that a judge must serve continuously for a minimum of 180 days to hold this title. Additionally, if there is any interruption in service of 30 days or less due to absence or inability to act, such a gap will not disrupt the continuity of this service period. This provision is critical for recognizing the judges’ contributions while serving in the Supreme Court, thereby aiding in maintaining the integrity of judicial titles for historical and practical purposes.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, discussions around its implications might raise questions about the criteria for defining 'temporary assignment' and potential concerns about judicial evaluations influenced by titles. Stakeholders may debate whether such designations could affect judges’ standing or decisions within the judiciary. Additionally, those against this may argue that it blurs the lines of judicial authority or complicates the hierarchy within the New Jersey court system, though there is currently no detailed public record of opposition or significant contention in deliberations related to the bill.