Abbott Returns to the Supreme Court

The courtroom inside the Hughes Justice Center was a little more crowded than usual yesterday, even for an Abbott v. Burke case, as all eyes were on the state Supreme Court to see what it will do next.

The court -- just five justices sitting -- was hearing oral arguments over the latest Abbott challenge and whether Gov. Chris Christie’s and the legislature’s $1 billion in state aid cuts this year left schools unable to provide the "through and efficient" education the state constitution requires.

The stakes are high, not just for the schools and their students but also for the state budget, which could suddenly see a huge budget hole, if the court is so inclined.

But in a public session that ran overtime, that was just part of the drama yesterday on a court that itself is in tumult, not to mention a former justice making a cameo return of his own.

NJ Spotlight shares stories of  five individuals in starring roles, at least yesterday, including one who barely said a word. Read more here: As Abbott Returns to Supreme Court, Familiar Faces Play Pivotal Roles.

Article is reprinted with permission from  NJ Spotlight, an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.

John Mooney is the founding editor, education writer. He has covered education in New Jersey for 15 years as a reporter for The Newark Star-Ledger and The Bergen Record and recently as a contributing writer for The New York Times. He has won numerous state and national awards, including honors from the Education Writers Association and the American Society of News Editors. John also has spoken at conferences and other events regarding school issues facing New Jersey and the role of education journalism. He lives in Montclair.