New Jersey Supreme Court

The New Jersey Supreme Court is the highest court in the State. It is composed of a Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. The Chief Justice also serves as the administrative head of the court system, overseeing the management of the state's courts. An appeal may be made to the Supreme Court as a matter of right if there is a split decision (i.e. a 2-1 decision) in the Appellate Division of Superior Court. Death penalty cases automatically are appealed directly to the Supreme Court from the trial court. The Supreme Court also may hear other cases of its choosing, in a process known as "certification". Under the New Jersey State Constitution, the Supreme Court has exclusive authority over the regulation of the practice of law in the state.

Related Topics:
New Jersey - Supreme Court - Certification - New Jersey State Constitution

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Under the previous constitution, the highest court of the State was called the Court of Errors and Appeals on the idea that it whould deal with the appeals from lower courts against their errors.

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Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate for initial terms of seven years. After 7 years, the Governor (again, with Senate confirmation) can reappoint them. On reappointment, they are granted tenure until they reach the mandatory retirement judicial retirement age of 70.

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