The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute is the State’s leading organization advocating for the business community on matters of law and legal policy. The Institute promotes a fair and predictable civil justice system and defends the value of the rule of law in protecting innovation and fostering economic growth.
- We advocate for legislation and regulations that promote fairness, justice, and the rule of law.
- We advocate in the courts for clear, consistent and efficient principles of law.
Who We Are
The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute (NJCJI) advocates for a civil justice system that treats all parties fairly and discourages lawsuit abuse. NJCJI and its members believe that a fair civil justice system resolves disputes expeditiously and impartially, based solely upon application of the law to the facts of each case. Such a system fosters public trust and motivates professionals, sole proprietors, and businesses to provide safe and reliable products and services while ensuring that truly injured people are fully compensated for their losses.
Fair Treatment for Defendants and Plaintiffs
Defendants and plaintiffs are entitled to fair and proportional treatment in our courts. All parties should have practical access to the trial courts and appellate review, depend on reliable expert testimony, and be protected from excessive awards.
Proper Use of the Courts and Legal Authority
New Jersey’s courts should serve New Jersey residents and hear New Jersey-centered disputes. They should not be a magnet for lawsuits that have little or no connection to our state. Our courts should apply and uphold well-grounded and measured legal principles, not novel legal theories that attract unscrupulous litigants aiming to abuse the system.
High Quality Courts
A fair system of justice depends upon independent, capable judges at the trial, intermediate appellate, and Supreme Court levels. New Jersey courts should attract and retain highly-qualified judges capable of efficiently and impartially adjudicating the cases before them. The selection of New Jersey’s judges must be transparent, their compensation just, and their workload reasonable.
Protection Against Meritless and Exorbitant Lawsuits
There should be reasonable protections against unfounded lawsuits that clog our courts, encourage abuse, and threaten employers, jobs, health care, and the economy. Excessive litigation and junk lawsuits are paid for by us all: the businesses, professionals and organizations that are the targets of such suits; consumers who pay for excessive awards through higher prices; taxpayers who pay more when businesses flee the state; and legitimate plaintiffs whose pleas for relief are delayed.
What We Do
Legislative Influence
We are New Jersey’s go-to experts on civil justice issues because we analyze every piece of legislation introduced in the state to determine its impact on civil liability. Members on both sides of the aisle have sponsored NJCJI-inspired reform measures, and have also voted down harmful legislation after hearing our concerns. Click here to learn more.
Our Work in the Courts
NJCJI can often provide or coordinate amicus briefs in cases that have broader civil justice implications that the parties cannot fully brief. To date, NJCJI has assisted with or participated in more than a dozen separate cases at the appellate and supreme court levels. NJCJI has also actively engaged with the New Jersey Supreme Court’s rule-making process. Click here to learn more.
Professional Development
NJCJI regularly hosts continuing legal education (CLE) events to educate members of the legal profession about key civil justice issues. These events provide a forum for discussing and debating critical policy issues outside of the courthouse.
Be in the Know
The Institute hosts regular membership luncheons with prominent New Jersey officials and nationally known policy experts. We also produce a weekly newsletter featuring the latest civil justice news, updates on our policy efforts, and links to white papers and other analysis of hot topics. Click here to learn how you can get involved.