Blog

By Jerry Friedman, Esq.

Police reports in motor vehicle, criminal and traffic matters frequently include the investigating officer’s opinion as to causation, liability, and other issues. Unless the officer qualifies as an expert under  N.J.R.E. 702, these lay opinions may not be evidential.

By Miriam S. Edelstein, Esq.

On July 19, 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court approved the New Jersey Judiciary Policy on Accessible & Inclusive Communications (Directive 07-22). This policy is the culmination of the Judiciary’s comprehensive review of all court communications (written and spoken) pursuant to the Supreme Court’s 2021 Action Plan for Ensuring Equal Justice, in which the Court committed to an ongoing effort for increased equitable access to information and services provided by the courts. 

By Jonathan P. Holtz, Esq. 

The New Jersey Insurance Fair Conduct Act (NJIFCA or “the Act”), which became law on  January 18, 2022, has set off a wave of contentious motion practice. 

Unfortunately, anecdotal experience from shared opinions amongst New Jersey Association for Justice members shows decisions on these motions vary from county to county. Indeed, there are even variations within each county and changes over time. However, general trends on the collective judgment of the judiciary are emerging supporting survival of these claims.

How to Prove a Claim Pursuant to the New Jersey Nursing Home Act

By Richard J. Talbot, Esq. and Abbott S. Brown, Esq. Trial attorneys handling claims under the New Jersey Nursing Home Responsibilities and Rights of Residents Act need to follow the roadmap set out by the Appellate Division.

Social Capital: Why Inclusion Matters

By Jared M. Placitella, Esq.

            New research shows that the strength of people’s social networks plays a large role in how people succeed economically.

Last month, The New York Times reported on a pair of interesting studies published in the journal Nature, which examined the link between social capital and economic connectedness.

The use of New Jersey’s Evidence Rule 201 often is overlooked and underutilized by many attorneys when trying cases. Yet, it is a valuable tool in admitting evidence without lengthy testimony or cumbersome presentation. The rule allows judges  to take judicial notice of facts and other admissible evidence, either sua sponte or at the request of a party to the litigation.

By Michael G. Donahue, III, Esq. The trial lawyer community must ensure that our belief in fairness and justice for all extends into our workplaces.

By Dennis M. Geier, Esq. and Jared M. Placitella, Esq.  A landmark class action settlement for the benefit of the low-income residents of an 80-unit federally subsidized building complex in Newark, which provides cash rental rebates and substantial renovations, was recently given final approval by Judge Keith Lynott in Essex County.