Overview of Superior Court of New Jersey
The Superior Court of New Jersey is the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction. It has jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and family law cases. With 21 counties, the court system is divided into four divisions: civil, criminal, family, and municipal. The court’s primary goal is to ensure access to justice for all citizens of New Jersey.
History of the Superior Court of New Jersey
The Superior Court of New Jersey was established in 1947 after the state’s constitution was revised. The court replaced the old court of common pleas, which was limited in its jurisdiction. Over the years, the Superior Court has expanded its jurisdiction, particularly in the areas of family law and civil law.
Jurisdiction of the Superior Court of New Jersey
The Superior Court of New Jersey has jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including civil cases with a value over $15,000, criminal cases, and family law cases, such as divorces, child custody, and child support. The court also hears cases involving probate, juvenile delinquency, and domestic violence.
Civil Division
The Civil Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has jurisdiction over cases involving contract disputes, personal injury, and property disputes. It also hears cases involving estates, trusts, and guardianships.
Criminal Division
The Criminal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has jurisdiction over cases involving indictable offenses, such as murder, assault, and drug offenses. It also handles cases involving motor vehicle violations, such as DUI and reckless driving.
Family Division
The Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has jurisdiction over cases involving divorce, child custody, and child support. It also handles cases involving adoption, guardianship, and termination of parental rights.
Municipal Division
The Municipal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey has jurisdiction over cases involving violations of municipal ordinances, such as traffic violations and local zoning laws.
Superior Court of New Jersey Judges
The Superior Court of New Jersey is made up of judges appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The judges serve for an initial term of seven years and can be reappointed for additional terms. There are currently over 400 judges serving in the Superior Court of New Jersey.
Superior Court of New Jersey Procedures
The Superior Court of New Jersey follows specific procedures for each type of case. These procedures are designed to ensure that each case is handled fairly and efficiently.
Civil Procedures
The Civil Procedures of the Superior Court of New Jersey involve filing a complaint, serving the complaint on the defendant, and attending court hearings. The parties may also engage in pre-trial discovery, which involves exchanging information relevant to the case.
Criminal Procedures
The Criminal Procedures of the Superior Court of New Jersey involve a grand jury indictment, arraignment, and a trial. The defendant has the right to a trial by jury and the right to an attorney.
Family Procedures
The Family Procedures of the Superior Court of New Jersey involve filing a complaint, attending court hearings, and engaging in pre-trial discovery. The parties may also be required to attend mediation before the case goes to trial.
Superior Court of New Jersey Docket Search
The Superior Court of New Jersey allows users to search for court dockets online. This is a useful feature for individuals who want to check the status of a case or review past cases. To search for a docket, users can visit the New Jersey Courts website and select the “Docket Search” option. From there, they can search for a case using various criteria such as case type, docket number, and party name. Once the search is complete, users can view information about the case such as the case number, filing date, and case status.
New Jersey Courts
The New Jersey Courts system is responsible for handling all court cases in the state. The court system is divided into three levels: Municipal Courts, Superior Courts, and the Appellate Division. Municipal Courts handle minor offenses such as traffic violations, while the Superior Courts handle more serious cases such as criminal cases and civil lawsuits. The Appellate Division is responsible for reviewing decisions made by the Superior Courts.
Superior Court of New Jersey Phone Number
Individuals who need to contact the Superior Court of New Jersey can do so by calling the court’s main phone number at (609) 421-6100. This number can be used to obtain general information about the court system, inquire about a specific case, or request assistance with court-related matters.
New Jersey Court Records
New Jersey court records are public records that contain information about court cases in the state. These records can be accessed online through the New Jersey Courts website or by visiting a court office in person. Court records may contain information such as the names of the parties involved in the case, the charges filed, and the outcome of the case.
NJ Municipal Court Case Search
The NJ Municipal Court Case Search feature allows users to search for court cases that have been filed in municipal courts in New Jersey. This is a useful feature for individuals who need to check the status of a traffic ticket or other minor offense. To use the search feature, users can visit the New Jersey Courts website and select the “Municipal Court Case Search” option. From there, they can search for a case using various criteria such as case type, docket number, and party name.
Superior Court of New Jersey Address
The Superior Court of New Jersey has multiple locations throughout the state. To find the address of a specific court location, users can visit the New Jersey Courts website and select the “Locations” option. From there, they can search for a court location using various criteria such as county or court type.
NJ Courts Login
The NJ Courts Login feature allows registered users to access certain court-related information online. To create a login, users can visit the New Jersey Courts website and select the “Register” option. Once registered, users can log in to access information such as court case records, court calendars, and court forms.
Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division, Family Part
The Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division, Family Part is responsible for handling family-related legal matters in the state. This includes issues such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. To access information about the Chancery Division, users can visit the New Jersey Courts website and select the “Chancery Division” option. From there, they can select the “Family” option to access information about family-related legal matters.
Conclusion
The Superior Court of New Jersey is the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction. It has jurisdiction over criminal, civil, and family law cases. The court’s primary goal is to ensure access to justice for all citizens of New Jersey. With specific procedures for each type of case, the court ensures that each case is handled fairly and efficiently.
FAQs
- How can I file a case in the Superior Court of New Jersey?
- To file a case in the Superior Court of New Jersey, you must first determine which division your case falls under. You will then need to file a complaint with the appropriate court
- How are judges appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey?
- Judges are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
- What is the role of the Civil Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey?
- The Civil Division has jurisdiction over cases involving contract disputes, personal injury, and property disputes. It also hears cases involving estates, trusts, and guardianships.
- What is the role of the Criminal Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey?
- The Criminal Division has jurisdiction over cases involving indictable offenses, such as murder, assault, and drug offenses. It also handles cases involving motor vehicle violations, such as DUI and reckless driving.
- What is the role of the Family Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey?
- The Family Division has jurisdiction over cases involving divorce, child custody, and child support. It also handles cases involving adoption, guardianship, and termination of parental rights.
