Chief Justice Stuart Rabner formed the New Jersey Supreme Court Historical Advisory Board to preserve and promote and to educate the public on the rich history of the state’s highest appellate court.

The members of the board are:
Hon. Stewart G. Pollock (ret.), Chair
Hon. James H. Coleman, Jr. (ret.), Advisory Board Past Chair
Hon. John W. Bissell (ret.)
Steven D. Bonville
Hon. Phillip S. Carchman (ret.)
Hon. Amy Piro Chambers (ret.)
Dean Ronald K. Chen
Thomas Curtin
Hon. Linda R. Feinberg (ret.)
Hon. Glenn A. Grant
Hon. Nelson C. Johnson
Hon. John A. Jorgensen
Hon. Virginia A. Long (ret.)
Heather Joy Baker
Hon. Stewart G. Pollock (ret.)
Hon. Edwin H. Stern (ret.)
Professor John B. Wefing
Professor Robert F. Williams

For more information about the board, its work or to donate photographs, documents and artifacts related to the New Jersey Supreme Court, contact Mike Mathis, Office of Communications and Community Relations, at 609-815-2900 ext. 52352 or at Mike.Mathis@njcourts.gov

• April 18, 2006, The 2006 Chief Justice Joseph Weintraub Lecture: The Purple Thread: Social Justice as a recurring theme in the decisions of the Poritz Court
• Sept. 8, 2008: 60^th Anniversary of the Modern Judiciary under the 1947 Constitution By Retired Justice James H. Coleman Jr.
• An Essay about the life of Justice James H. Coleman Jr.
• March 28, 2011: The Seventh Wilentz Lecture By Retired Justice James H. Coleman Jr.

Introduction

The New Jersey Supreme Court is recognized as one of the leading state courts in the nation. The issues that come before the Court cover a vast array of topics from the education of our children to procedures in criminal trials. Cases come to the Court because the parties cannot agree. Often the circumstances of the cases are unique. The Court then must consider the unusual and often difficult problem presented and reach a decision that is fair and informed by existing law.

The following sections highlight some of the most notable cases by the New Jersey Supreme Court over the years and are designed to provide a better understanding of the Court’s work. They are not intended to provide a comprehensive statement of New Jersey law on the topics in question. Rather the sections highlight the scope of the important cases. Not all such cases are listed.

Hopefully, the discussion of these notable cases will provide a better appreciation of the Court’s role and give some insight into the development of New Jersey’s law. Because law evolves, whether through case law or legislative action or constitutional amendment, the reader should understand that any law or case discussed here may have been or may be subsequently modified or overturned.

• Common Law
• Arbitration and Mediation
• Criminal Procedure
• Education
• Family Law
• Individual Rights
• Municipal Law
• Premises Liability
• Products Liability
• Professional Responsibility and Discipline of Attorneys
• The State Constitution
• Zoning and Planning

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. No reader, user, or browser of this website should act or refrain from acting based on information on this website without first seeking legal advice from their own legal counsel. Communication of information by, in, to or through this website and your receipt, reliance or use of it is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney.

All information, content, and materials appearing on this website are provided for general educational and/or informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. The content on this website is provided "as is;" no representations are made that the content is error-free. Any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this website are hereby expressly disclaimed. Any views expressed on, or through, this website are those of the individual authors writing in their individual capacities only – and are not those of any justice, judge, official, employee or affiliate of the New Jersey State Judiciary.

Rutgers Oral History Archive Interview of
Associate Justice John E. Wallace Jr
(This link is a 5-part series)
Video Instructions
Transcript of the Interview

Rutgers Oral History Archive Interview of
Associate Justice Gary S. Stein
(This link is a 9-part series)
Video Instructions
Transcript of the Interview

Rutgers Oral History Archive Interview of
Associate Justice Stewart G. Pollock
(This link is a 7-part series)
Video Instructions
Transcript of the Interview

Rutgers Oral History Archive Interview of
Associate Justice Virginia A. Long
(This link is a 4-part series)
Video Instructions
Transcript of the Interview

Eagleton Institute of Politics
Interview of Associate Justice
Alan B. Handler

Eagleton Institute of Politics
Interview of Associate Justice
Gary S. Stein

Eagleton Institute of Politics
Interview of Associate Justice
Stewart G. Pollock

Eagleton Institute of Politics
Interview of Associate Justice
Peter G. Verniero

• Nov. 5, 1984: National Law Journal profile on Chief Justice Robert N. Wilentz.
• New Jersey Magazine profile on Chief Justice Robert N. Wilentz.
• May 17, 1952: Saturday Evening Post story about the Supreme Court in its formative years.
• New York Times story on Rules for New Court.
• New Court System goes into operation.

In Defense of Justice: A Tribute to Deborah Poritz