Civil, Matrimonial Trials On Hold In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Civil and matrimonial trials in six New Jersey counties, including in Somerset, will be put on hold due to a judicial "vacancy crisis," New Jersey's Chief Justice said.

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said the court will not hold these trials in two NJ vicinages beginning Feb. 21, because there are not enough judges. In "very limited circumstances," some cases may go forward, Rabner said.

"Those trials will be suspended for the immediate future," Rabner said Tuesday.

The vacancy issue is being felt hit the hardest in Vicinage 13 - which is comprised of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren counties - and Vicinage 15 - which is comprised of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties.

In Vicinage 13, there are five vacancies out of a total of 20 judicial positions. In Vicinage 15, there are nine vacancies out of 28 judgeships.

Across the state, 69 trial court positions are vacant, said the Chief Justice — more than one of six positions statewide.

The state judiciary prioritizes cases such as domestic violence complaints and criminal or juvenile delinquency matters "in which an individual’s liberty is at stake," Rabner said.

"There are simply not enough judges at this time to conduct civil and matrimonial trials in either vicinage," the Chief Justice said. "Without additional relief, we may well face the same situation in other vicinages in the near future."

Rabner said the state court system has operated with an average of more than 50 vacancies for the past three years.

"That situation, along with the effects of the COVID crisis, has contributed to delays in handling individual cases and substantial increases in backlog," he said.

Rabner called on state leaders to address the judge vacancy crisis:

"We recognize that when the doors of the courthouse are closed – even partially – people entitled to their day in court suffer real harm," he said. "We therefore respectfully call on the Executive and Legislative branches to address the current vacancy crisis in Vicinages 13 and 15 as well as other parts of the state. We are prepared to assist in any way that would be helpful. We look forward to a resumption of all proceedings in both vicinages as soon as possible.”

— With reporting by Michelle Rotuno-Johnson