New Jersey State Bar Association general members will be asked this week to vote on a proposal to update the bylaws.
The Board of Trustees has approved a proposed change regarding the association’s Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee (JPAC). For nearly 50 years, the Association has had a Compact with the governor’s office to review candidates in a confidential process. The association’s JPAC is what conducts a non-partisan review and vetting of candidates for the bench and prosecutor positions.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed an updated Compact on March 12, continuing the tradition that dates back to Gov. Richard Hughes. Through the revised Compact, the NJSBA returned county bar associations to the formal review process and made provisions to add three at-large members from underrepresented groups to JPAC. The Compact guarantees all candidates will receive a thorough review that reaches into every corner of the legal profession.
“The NJSBA’s role in the process protects and promotes a fair, impartial and independent Judiciary, which is a hallmark of the rule of law in a vigorous democracy,” said NJSBA President Robert B. Hille. “We are proud to provide this service on behalf of the legal community and citizens of this state. It is a duty we will continue to perform with the highest degree of integrity.”
PROPOSED CHANGE
The proposed change to the bylaw language governing the makeup of JPAC will bring the bylaws in line with the Compact that specifically ensures that each county maintains a representative on the Committee. The amendment will further formalize the expansion of the Committee by three at-large members, who will be from underrepresented groups within the profession, as per the Compact.
The change also removes redundant language stating that JPAC members are appointed by the NJSBA president, since that is stated elsewhere in the bylaws and applies to all committee appointments.
VOTING INFORMATION
Voting begins on March 22 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 29.
Voting is being administered by Intelliscan Inc. All voting questions or requests for paper ballots can be addressed through NJSBA’s dedicated election information line at 732-964-1839, or via email at [email protected].