New Jersey Case Law

The New Jersey state court system is divided into three levels. The highest court in New Jersey is the New Jersey Supreme Court, which consists of seven judges. The Supreme Court reviews appeals of decisions by the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. It also reviews appeals of decisions by trial courts in limited situations. Decisions by the New Jersey Supreme Court are final unless the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to review an appeal of a decision.

The middle level of the New Jersey state court system is the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division. This court contains over 30 judges, who review cases in panels of two or three judges. The Appellate Division reviews not only appeals of decisions by trial courts but also appeals of decisions by state administrative agencies and the New Jersey Tax Court.

The lowest level of the New Jersey state court system consists primarily of the New Jersey Superior Courts and the New Jersey Municipal Courts. The Superior Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. These courts also review appeals of decisions by Municipal Courts. The jurisdiction of the Municipal Courts is limited to certain types of cases. These include traffic violations, motor vehicle offenses, and violations of municipal ordinances.

New Jersey also has a separate Tax Court. This court reviews appeals of decisions by the state Board of Taxation.

The New Jersey Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics consists of 18 members, who are appointed by the Supreme Court. The Advisory Committee reviews complaints of ethical misconduct by attorneys in New Jersey.