NJ State Senate passes resolution seeking the resignation of Supreme Court Justice Rivera-Soto

February 24, 2011

New Jersey: The New Jersey State Senate recently passed a resolution demanding the resignation of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto. The resolution passed the Senate 21-3 and encouraged Justice Rivera-Soto to resign arguing that his decision to boycott the court due to the temporary appointment of temporary justice Edwin Stern. It further alleged that Justice Rivera-Soto's actions “may constitute grounds for impeachment for misdemeanor committed during his continuance in office.” Justice Rivera-Soto made his decision to boycott court proceedings when Chief Justice Stuart Rabner appointed justice Edwin Stern as a result of a prolonged delay in the appointment of Anne Murray Patterson. Patterson was appointed by Governor Christieto replace justice John Wallace. Governor Christie's appoint broke previous precedent and was the first instance that a New Jersey governor opted to not renominate a justice for a life term.