Top News Clips for the Week of February 13-19
A selection of the need-to-know civil justice news for the week of February 13-19.
NJCJI Opposes State-Level Patent Reform
On Monday, February 22, the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee is holding a hearing on A310, which would create a state court cause of action against persons who pursued a patent claim in bad faith. NJCJI is preparing to testify in opposition to this legislation.
Trial Attorneys Are Not All Selfless White Knights
The Manhattan Institute has released the 20th installment of its groundbreaking, investigative series Trial Lawyers Inc. The most recent report, like the many that have come before it, reaffirms the fact that not all attorneys are practicing because they believe in fighting for justice. Some attorneys are simply in the business because it is good business.
Consumer Fraud Reform Gains Momentum
Last week we announced that a bill had been introduced in the New Jersey Assembly that would make important changes to our state’s oft-abused Consumer Fraud Act. This week we are happy to announce that a companion bill, S1669, has been introduced by Senators Oroho (R-Sparta) and Van Drew (D-Cape May Court House).
Christie Outlines Budget Priorities
On February 16, Gov. Christie delivered his budget address to a joint session of the legislature, officially kicking off negotiations on the state’s FY 2017 budget. The legislature’s focus for the next few months will essentially be on the budget, as it must be passed by July 1.
Happy President’s Day
Happy President's Day
Top News Clips for the Week of February 6-12
A selection of the need-to-know civil justice news for the week of February 6-12.
Rules Committee Acts on NJCJI Petition, Makes Other Important Changes
The rules that govern what cases can come before the court, and how they are to proceed, play as big of a role in deciding the outcome of many disputes as the substantive law at issue does. That’s why we at NJCJI were quite eager to see what this year’s Rules Committees Reports would contain. This year’s Civil Practice Committee report is substantial, and we are still reviewing much of it, but below is a summary of a few key items of interest.
Senate Backs Liability-Laden Wage Gap Legislation 28 to 4
S992 has been described as a measure that would strengthen protections against employment discrimination and promote equal pay for women by codifying existing federal law. The myth that this bill is not that big of a change from current practices, but that it will make a big difference, is probably why it passed the New Jersey Senate by a vote of 28-4 on February 11.
Bill Introduced to Overhaul New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act
Have you ever clicked “shrink to fit” or “shrink one page” in order to save paper by printing out a document that is just over one page on a single sheet? If so, you may be in violation of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act, which has very specific rules about appropriate font size. If someone successfully sues you over your green printing habits, you will owe them 3 times what they are claiming as damages, and you will have to pay their attorneys’ fees (as well as your own). Seems a bit excessive doesn’t it?