New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR12

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

Impact

This amendment would have significant implications for the judicial landscape within New Jersey. By allowing the Legislature to create a new appointment process, it would grant greater autonomy to local municipalities in determining how judges are selected for courts that serve multiple communities or the County as a whole. The existing framework, which requires state-level appointments, could hinder flexibility and responsiveness to local judicial needs, whereas the proposed change is intended to promote a system that better reflects the interests and unique circumstances of those communities.

Summary

ACR12 is a proposed constitutional amendment from the state of New Jersey that aims to modify the process for appointing certain municipal court judges. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate the requirement that judges of joint municipal courts and central municipal courts be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Instead, the amendment opens the possibility for the Legislature to establish an alternative appointment method which may not involve the Governor or Senate consent, allowing for more localized control over judicial appointments.

Contention

Notably, there could be contention surrounding this amendment, particularly related to concerns about the checks and balances inherent in the judicial appointment process. Critics may argue that removing gubernatorial and senatorial involvement could lead to politicization of judicial appointments at the local level or potential favoritism, undermining the impartiality of the judicial system. Conversely, supporters could assert that this change allows for a more democratic and locally-controlled method of appointing judges who are better attuned to the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR12

Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

NJ A1219

Provides for appointment of certain municipal court judges at the local or county level.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ SCR55

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 72.

NJ ACR14

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR13

Proposes constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty under certain circumstances.

NJ ACR48

Proposes constitutional amendment to broaden powers of the Council on Local Mandates.

NJ ACR15

Proposes Constitutional amendment to limit exercise of eminent domain to acquisition of land for essential public purposes.

NJ HJR119

Proposes a constitutional amendment changing how judges are selected to certain courts

NJ ACR89

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

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