NOTICE TO THE BAR
The Supreme Court today issued its Third Omnibus Order on Court Operations and Legal Practice in response to the ongoing COVI D-19 pandemic. A copy of the Order is attached.
This May 28, 2020 Third Omnibus Order addresses all provisions of the April 24, 2020 Second Omnibus Order (and the May 15, 2020 clarification order). It continues some of those provisions through June 14, 2020, affirms that other provisions remain in full force and effect, and lists those provisions that have concluded.
Among other key provisions, the Third Omnibus Order provides that new jury trials and in-person jury selections continue to be suspended, as are trials in landlord/tenant matters. The suspension of most depositions and appearances of healthcare professionals involved in responding to COVID-19 also is extended through June 14, 2020, and discovery involving experts and medical professionals likewise is extended. Interim operational adjustments required by the social distancing measures attendant to COVID-19 – including the modified process for search warrants and communication data warrants, the option of electronic service of process on the State of New Jersey, and the relaxation of electronic signature requirements – remain in full force and effect. Most other adjustments, including most discovery and tolling provisions, either concluded on May 10, 2020 or will conclude after May 31 , 2020. While blanket suspensions, extensions, and tolling provisions have concluded or will conclude shortly, the May 28, 2020 Third Omnibus Order permits extensions based on the individual facts of a case and allows requests for such relief by letter rather than motion.
The New Jersey courts are continuing to expand the use of remote court operations through video and other means, thereby sustaining access to justice throughout this unprecedented extended emergency. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Court will revisit the provisions of the Third Omnibus Order and make adjustments as appropriate.
Questions about this notice or the Court’s Third Omnibus Order may be directed to the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts at (609) 376-3000.
DATED: May 28, 2020
/s/ Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D.
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts
Notice and Order – COVID-19 – Third Omnibus Order on Court Operations and Legal Practice.pdf