New Jersey Attorney Law Review Blog

On December 21, 2006 New Jersey became the third U.S. state to provide equal rights for same-sex couples in committed relationships known as civil unions. Gov. Jon Corzine, signing the Civil Unions bill into law, said the state has an obligation to give such partnerships the same legal rights as married couples. "We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships, and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other family in the state," Corzine said in a statement. The bill was passed by lawmakers last week following a ruling by the state Supreme Court affirming equal rights for same-sex couples, but deferring to the legislature a decision on whether to call their relationships "marriage." Lawmakers opted to call them "civil unions." Massachusetts is the only U.S. state to have legalized same-sex marriage, which supporters say is necessary to establish true equality for homosexual partnerships. Connecticut

On October 25, 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 decision that New Jersey must extend all the rights of marriage to gay couples. But the Supreme Court justices left it to the New Jersey legislature to decide whether to provide those rights in the form of marriages, civil unions or something else — and gave the Legislature 180 days to reach a decision. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruling is similar to the 1999 high-court ruling in Vermont that led that state to create civil unions, which confer all of the rights and benefits available to married couples under state law. "Although we cannot find that a fundamental right to same-sex marriage exists in this state, the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated under our state Constitution," New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Barry T. Albin wrote for New Jersey's four-member majority. The court said the Legislature "must either amend the marriage sta

Plemmons v. Blue Chip Insurance Services, A-0414-04T3, Appellate Division (August 21, 2006). An insurance broker is excluded from liability under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act for the performance of brokerage services, the Appellate Division held in a published opinion approved for publication on August 21, 2006. In this particular case, the plaintiff entered into a contract to purchase residential property in New Jersey, which he planned to convert to commercial use. In anticipation of a closing, plaintiff paid a $361 premium to obtain homeowner's insurance coverage from defendant Blue Chip Insurance, and Blue Chip issued a policy declaration sheet providing for homeowner's coverage. The policy was ultimtely voided because of a delay in the closing date, however Blue Chip never refunded plaintiff his $361 premium. A new closing date was arranged,and prior thereto an insurance representative with Blue Chip advised plaintiff's representative that plaintiff needed

A New Jersey judge facing a Supreme Court hearing on charges he made inappropriate comments to jurors and about other judges is asking that two members of the New Jersey Supreme Court recuse themselves due to alleged bias. Superior Court Judge Wilbur Mathesius filed a motion on Aug. 23, 2006 urging that Chief Justice Deborah Poritz and Justice Jaynee LaVecchia not participate in his disciplinary case because they have criticized him in the past. Mathesius is challenging the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct's findings that he committed ethics violations the committee said warranted a six-month suspension, half without pay. At issue is Mathesius' conduct in Mercer County's Criminal Part in 2004 and 2005 and conduct resulting in two admonitions while he was a municipal court judge. ACJC Chairman Alan Handler found that ethics prosecutors proved by clear and convincing evidence allegations in a four-count complaint charging that Mathesius: • berated a jury for acquitting

What are the limitations imposed on New Jersey attorney advertisements? Read online opinions issued by the Supreme Court of New Jersey Committee on attorney advertising at http://lawlibrary.rutgers.edu/cgi-bin/ethics.cgi#caa

Several County Clerk's offices in New Jersey are currently accepting electronic recording/filing of land documents, with 7 more counties expected to join the program in 2006. Currently accepting online filings are Passaic County, Ocean County, Monmouth County, and Cape May County. Read more about this and apply for a free sign-up at http://www.njcountyrecording.com/njcr/home.aspx