SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has created a public health emergency that requires an adjournment of scheduled involuntary civil commitment hearings to implement measures to support the safety of individuals subject to involuntary civil commitment as well as others involved in the proceedings.
The Judiciary is working with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Office of the Public Defender, and County Adjusters to make such operational adjustments, which may include social distancing as well as conducting proceedings using video or phone conferencing when appropriate.
Accordingly, it is ORDERED that all initial hearings for the involuntary civil commitment of an adult scheduled from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27, 2020, will be adjourned for a period of not more than 14 days, pursuant to Rule 4:74-7( c )(1); and
It is FURTHER ORDERED that all initial hearings for the involuntary civil commitment of a minor scheduled from Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27, 2020, will be adjourned for a period of not more than 7 days, pursuant to Rule 4:74-7A(b)(2).
For the Court,
/s/ Stuart Rabner
Chief Justice
Dated: March 17, 2020