Notice – Municipal Courts - Scheduling of Municipal Court Events in Accordance with the Framework Established by the Supreme Court's October 27, 2022 ("Future of Court Operations 2.0") Order

Municipal Courts must continue to adhere to the provisions of the Supreme Court’s October 27, 2022 “Future of Court Operations 2.0” Order, which specifies the format (virtual or in-person) in which court events are to be conducted to optimize access, participation, and the timely administration of justice.  

As provided by the Court’s Order, straightforward matters in the Municipal Courts will continue to be conducted virtually, absent an individualized reason to proceed in person.  This presumptively virtual format applies to routine case management conferences, routine motion arguments, first appearances, uncontested proceedings, routine status conferences, and cases not involving a reasonable likelihood of jail or loss or suspension of license.  As clarified in a March 13, 2023 notice, the initial appearance in all Municipal Court cases, including those involving consequences of magnitude, will continue to be scheduled as a virtual initial appearance.

Matters involving a reasonable likelihood of a jail sentence or loss or suspension of license such as DWI, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, disorderly persons offenses, and domestic violence cases will generally proceed in person.  The court may permit such matters to proceed virtually only with the consent of all parties.  The Court’s October 27, 2022 Order further permits certain matters that would generally proceed in person to instead be conducted virtually at the judge’s discretion (consent not required), e.g., cases affecting health and safety.

Questions regarding the format of Municipal Court events pursuant to the Court’s framework as set forth above should be directed to the AOC Municipal Court Services Section at 609-815-2900 ext. 54850 , or MunicipalCtSvs.mbx@njcourts.gov.