Supreme Court of New Jersey Decisions

The New Jersey Supreme Court consists of seven justices. While it was originally founded in 1776 during the American Revolution, it did not take a clear form until the New Jersey Constitution of 1844. In contrast to many other state supreme courts, it does not hold original jurisdiction over any legal matters. The Court may review an appeal from a lower court in a case involving the death penalty, a constitutional question, redistricting, or a dissent by an appellate justice. Also, it may review an appeal of a decision for which it has granted certification. In addition to its legal authority, the Court holds limited political authority. It will review and finalize a decision by the New Jersey Redistricting Commission on redistricting congressional districts if the Commission cannot reach a decision.

The Governor of New Jersey nominates candidates to serve on the Supreme Court. The New Jersey State Senate then must decide whether to confirm the nominee one week after the Governor issues a public notice of the nomination. Each justice will serve an initial seven-year term, after which the Governor will decide whether to grant indefinite tenure. The justices must be balanced between the political parties, such that neither party has an advantage of more than one seat. To qualify to serve on the Supreme Court, a candidate must have been admitted to practice law in New Jersey for at least 10 years. This is the same requirement as for Superior Court judges.

A justice may be removed from the New Jersey Supreme Court upon being impeached by the New Jersey General Assembly and convicted by the New Jersey Senate. Alternatively, the Supreme Court may inform the Governor that a justice has become incapacitated. A three-person commission will determine whether the justice should be removed on that basis.