Obama Nominates Merrick B. Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court
On Wednesday, March 16, President Obama nominated Merrick B. Garland to the United States Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death last month.
The Attorney General is Our State’s Front-Line Fraud Fighter
Across the nation, the first week of March is celebrated as Consumer Protection Week. In New Jersey, the Attorney General’s office marks this occasion by warning consumers about the latest scams, and releasing data on consumer complaints that were filed with the office over the previous year. As in years past, this year’s data suggest that the Attorney General’s office, specifically the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, is the public’s most important protector against scam artists and fraudsters.
Bills Would Presume Businesses Are Guilty Until Proven Innocent
On Monday, two important bills working their way through the legislature, the paid sick leave bill and the equal pay bill, will be voted on. If enacted, these bills would presume employers are guilty when a lawsuit is brought against them unless they can prove their innocence. This is an unprecedented change to our legal system.
Legislative Alert: Paid Sick Leave & Equal Pay Bills Being Heard on Monday
The New Jersey Civil Justice Institute will be testifying against three bills on Monday.
It’s the Law
NJCJI’s President, Marcus Rayner, and Director of Public Affairs, Emily Kelchen, recently made a guest appearance on the legal talk show “It’s the Law” on the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce’s internet radio station. During the show, which was hosted by Attorney Patricia Smits, Rayner and Kelchen explained what the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute is and does.
Our Work in the Courts
“The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments.” -Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 78
Christie Re-Nominates Bauman for NJ Supreme Court
This afternoon, Gov. Christie held a press conference to announce that he is nominating Superior Court Judge David Bauman of Monmouth County to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts to Keynote NJCJI Luncheon
Lawmakers and government officials, business leaders, and lawyers are invited to attend the New Jersey Civil Justice Institute’s 2nd Annual Winter Policy Forum. This year’s event, which is being held on Tuesday, March 15, from Noon-1:30 PM, at the Trenton Country Club, will feature a keynote address from Judge Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D., the Acting Administrative Director of New Jersey Courts.
Taming the Leviathan
New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act has been expanded over the years by the courts and the legislature to the point where it is no longer focused on protecting consumers from fraud. Instead, it is becoming a catch-all law that is invoked even in situations where there are no consumers or fraud to be found. This is not ideal since the CFA encourages litigation in many disputes that could resolved more efficiently by other means.
Committee Advances Patent Reform Bill
On Monday, February 22, the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to advance A310, which would create a state court cause of action against persons who pursued a patent claim in bad faith. NJCJI testified against this legislation because it more likely this bill would increase frivolous litigation than solve the so-called “patent troll” problem.