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Judicial Advisory Panel resigns in New Jersey
June 3, 2010
Yesterday Governor Christie accepted the resignation of all seven members of New Jersey's Judicial Advisory Panel. The members, who are responsible for recommending judges for reappointment and screening nominees for the New Jersey Superior Courts, "accused Christie of injecting politics into the judiciary and putting judicial independence at risk."[1]
The panel's complaints stem from the governor's decision not to reappoint Supreme Court justice John Wallace, whose term expired May 20, 2010. In New Jersey, the governor appoints, then reappoints, justices every seven years. In fact, since the current New Jersey Constitution was ratified in 1947, governors have always reappointed sitting justices until mandatory retirement age, regardless of their political or judicial philosophy.[2]
In addition to the reaction from the Judicial Advisory Panel, Christie's decision prompted Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and eight former justices to release statements urging the governor's reconsideration. Also, the New Jersey State Bar Association decided to honor Wallace for his service and dedication to the people of New Jersey.[3]
Responding to the panel's resignation, Christie thanked them for their service and his spokesperson commented that they will soon be replaced.[1]
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 CBS3," "NJ Governor's Judicial Advisers Resign in Protest," June 2, 2010
- ↑ CourierPostOnline.com, "Christie moves to unseat N.J. high court's only black justice, a Glouco resident," May 3, 2010
- ↑ nj.com, "N.J. lawyers groups honors ousted state Supreme Court Justice John Wallace Jr., May 21, 2010
Federal courts:
Third Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: District of New Jersey • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: District of New Jersey
State courts:
New Jersey Supreme Court • New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division • New Jersey Superior Courts • New Jersey Municipal Courts • New Jersey Tax Court
State resources:
Courts in New Jersey • New Jersey judicial elections • Judicial selection in New Jersey
