New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR47

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Proposes amendment to Constitution permitting justices and judges to engage in extra-judicial activities for compensation as permitted by court rule.

Impact

The proposal specifies that the total compensation a justice or judge can earn from these activities shall not exceed 15% of their annual salary. Additionally, it prohibits the acceptance of honorariums directly associated with their judicial role. This amendment could significantly impact how judges are perceived in terms of their separation from judicial duties and external influences, potentially laying the groundwork for clearer definitions of acceptable extra-judicial conduct in future.

Summary

SCR47 is a proposed Constitutional amendment which seeks to allow State Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges in New Jersey to engage in certain extra-judicial activities for compensation. Under current legal provisions, these judges are prohibited from engaging in the practice of law or any other gainful pursuit while in office. The amendment aims to rectify this by formalizing a regulated framework under which judges can be compensated for specific activities outside their judicial duties, as determined by the Supreme Court's guidelines.

Contention

Supporters of SCR47 argue that this amendment allows judges to utilize their expertise without compromising their roles while potentially enhancing the judiciary's financial viability. However, there is contention surrounding the implications of permitting judges to engage in outside work. Critics raise concerns regarding ethical considerations and the integrity of the judiciary. This amendment may lead to debates over what constitutes appropriate activities for compensation and how to maintain public trust in judicial impartiality while allowing justices to cross into the professional landscape beyond the courtroom.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR121

Carry Over Proposes amendment to Constitution permitting justices and judges to engage in extra-judicial activities for compensation as permitted by court rule.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR56

Proposes amendment to Constitution permitting justices and judges to engage in extra-judicial activities for compensation as permitted by court rule.

NJ SCR55

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

NJ ACR12

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

NJ ACR64

Proposes constitutional amendment permitting Gold Star families to receive veteran's property tax deduction.

NJ S2290

Increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, Workers' Compensation Judges and county prosecutors from 70 to 72.

NJ HJR119

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

NJ HJR140

Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the authority of the commission and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.

NJ SB2152

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

NJ S3342

Increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, and Workers' Compensation Judges from 70 to 75.

NJ HB1528

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.