SUPREME COURT OF NEW JERSEY
This matter having come before the Court on the request for relief filed jointly by the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, seeking the Court’s consideration of a proposed Order to Show Cause designed to address the release of certain individuals serving sentences in state prisons and juvenile facilities; and
The parties having filed briefs consistent with the Court’s order dated May 11,2020; and Read More
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. Read More
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
STANDING ORDER 2020-12
IN RE: COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES CREATED BY COVID-19, SUPERSESSION OF STANDING ORDERS 2020-02, 2020-03, 2020-04 AND 2020-09
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a National Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
WHEREAS, in response to the spread of COVID-19, on March 9, 2020, the Governor of the State of New Jersey declared a State of Emergency of indefinite duration and a Public Health Emergency, which the Governor has extended through at least June 5, 2020; Read More
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
STANDING ORDER 2020-13
IN RE: USE OF FACE COVERINGS/MASKS: DUE TO COVID-19
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a National Emergency, and the Governor of the State of New Jersey has declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency throughout the State, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic;
WHEREAS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities have advised taking precautions to reduce the possibility of exposure to COVID-19 and to slow the spread of the disease; Read More
Please follow the link follow to download the the Grand Jury Defendant Consent Form.
NOTICE TO THE BAR
During these unprecedented times, we recognize the difficulty that practitioners face addressing client’s needs. In an effort to alleviate some of those difficulties for attorneys as well as pro se individuals, please be advised the Bergen County Surrogate Court’s website has been updated to include the forms for the Will Fact Sheet and Administration Fact Sheet. The produce for probate/administration, along with the newly uploaded forms, can be found at https://www.bergencountysurrogate.com . In the event you should have any questions, you are welcome contact our office for guidance.
We appreciate your patience as we work tirelessly to assist the public probate the estates of their loved ones.
Be well,
/s/ Michael R. Dressler, Surrogate
Deputy Clerk, Superior Court
Chancery Division, Probate Part
NOTICE TO THE BAR
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, the New Jersey Judiciary is implementing all possible measures to apply social distancing in current court operations, consistent with the recommendations of the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. To that end, the Judiciary has transitioned to a court system in which many matters are proceeding via video or telephone during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Because this need may continue for many months based on current information, Megan’s Law proceedings should be conducted remotely by video or telephone for public safety and notification to the public about sex offenders. Therefore, I am issuing the attached guidance for judges to consider when deciding which Megan’s Law proceedings can be handled remotely by video or telephone during this COVID-19 crisis.
In making this determination, Megan’s Law judges and designated court staff should work with their Megan’s Law prosecutors and public defenders to review all cases pending judicial review. Private counsel should also be consulted, as matters with defense counsel for the most part should be able to proceed remotely by video or telephone. However, cases with expert testimony may need to be adjourned on a case-by-case basis at the court’s discretion. Where the registrant can only participate remotely by phone, the court should obtain the consent of the parties before conducting the hearing. Cases with registrants who do not have access to telephones, computers, or other electronic devices will need to be adjourned at this time. Alternatively, defense counsel may indicate that the matter can proceed because the registrant has waived the right to be present.
For pro se matters, court staff will need to work with the prosecutor’s office to obtain the registrant’s contact information to send the notices for the scheduled court date. Depending on local practices, the prosecutor’s office may be responsible for providing this information. In those counties, court staff should confirm that notices were sent by the prosecutor’s office, and whether there was a response by the registrant.
Additionally, court staff are responsible for providing the parties with the information on the technology that will be used for the remote proceeding (the link and the instructions to participate remotely via video or phone). The preferred technology for these proceedings is Microsoft Teams.
Any questions regarding Directive #16-20 may be directed to Assistant Director Sue Callaghan (Criminal Practice Division) via email at sue.callaghan@njcourts.gov or by phone at 609-815-2900 ext. 55300.
Directive #16-20 – _Guidance for Megan’s Law Proceedings During the COVID-19 Pandemic.pdf
NOTICE TO THE BAR
The Supreme Court has entered an order clarifying four provisions of the Court’s April 24, 2020 Second Omnibus Order regarding court operations during the COVID-19 crisis.
The May 15, 2020 Order, a copy of which is attached, clarifies the following aspects of remote court operations:
Questions on this notice should be directed to the Office of the Administrative Director at (609) 376-3000.
/s/ Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D.
Administrative Director of the Courts
Dated: May 15, 2020
NOTICE TO THE BAR
Directive #23-06 (“Grand Jury Standards – Implementation and Questionnaire”) promulgated standard grand jury policies and procedures, including a standard charge to the grand jury (Attachment 3) and a standard oath of secrecy (Attachment 5). The grand jury standards as promulgated by directive #23-06 have been implemented statewide for over a decade.
In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the New Jersey courts have transitioned from in-person to virtual court proceedings in nearly all areas. However, grand jury sessions have been suspended for two months and remain unable to resume in an in-person format based on public health risks.
The Supreme Court on May 14, 2020 authorized a pilot program for virtual (video) grand jury proceedings in Mercer and Bergen counties, as one method of enabling criminal matters to move forward during this unprecedented crisis. As outlined in the Court’s May 14, 2020 Order, a number of additional safeguards are required before those virtual (video) grand jury sessions can begin. Those precautionary measures include reissuance of the standard charge to the grand jury, plus an additional supplement to that charge, and the requirement that all grand jurors reaffirm their oath of secrecy and swear or affirm a supplement to that oath. Consistent with the Court’s May 14, 2020 Order, this Supplement to Directive #23-06 promulgates on a temporary basis a supplement to Attachment A (grand jury charge) and a supplement to Attachment B (secrecy oath). Those approved supplements will be issued to all grand jurors convening in a virtual (video) format in the pilot counties.
Questions or comments regarding this Directive Supplement should be directed to the Office of the Administrative Director at (609) 376-3000.
Attachments: (1) COVID-19 Supplement to the Charge for Grand Juries
Convening in a Virtual Format (2) COVID-19 Supplement to the Oath of Secrecy for Grand Juries Convening in a Virtual Format
***Please follow the link below to view these additional attachments.***
The Bergen County Criminal Part Judges are handling Criminal Matters by utilizing technology to enable the parties to appear remotely. Please the schedule below for the month of June for the assigned Criminal Part judges to handle emergent matters. Of course, this schedule is subject to change if the Courthouse opens to the public sooner.