New Jersey Supreme Court Issues New Guidance on In-Person and Virtual Proceedings

The November 18, 2021 Order addresses which Court events will continue virtually and which events will be in person, now and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Order is a framework for the future of court operations in New Jersey.

Highlights include:

  • Settlement conferences should be held in person.
  • Oral arguments before the Supreme Court and the Appellate Division should be in person.
  • Absent an individualized reason to proceed in person based on the facts and circumstances of the case, routine motion arguments and case management conferences should continue to proceed virtually, subject to judicial discretion.
  • Mediations shall continue to be virtual (likely referring to Court Ordered mediations).
  • In matters that are conducted in person, judges may permit virtual participation based on the individual facts and circumstances of the case.
  • In matters that are conducted virtually, judges may accommodate a participant who wishes to participate in person.
  • Civil Arbitrations, jury selections, and civil jury trials are still up in the air - the Court will provide further guidance at a later time.