This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.
The Supreme Court recently issued an order amending Rule 1:32-2A regarding electronic court systems, electronic records, electronic signatures and metadata. The amendment formalizes the authority of the administrative director to implement measures to safeguard Judiciary information systems and the data within those systems.
Directive #11-23 spells out the Judiciary’s procedures to protect its electronic systems and the steps taken to mitigate risks while restoring access to the affected account holder. The Judiciary already has security measures to block compromised emails and temporarily disable user accounts if it identifies a potential security breach. Consistent with its current practice, the Judiciary will notify a court user that has been identified as having a potentially compromised account, providing next steps required to resume uninterrupted access to Judiciary systems.
Users should alert the Judiciary if they discover a security breach of an account at 609-421-6100.
Weapons Prohibition
The Administrative Office of the Courts issued Directive 10-23 which confirms that weapons, including firearms, are prohibited from being carried in state courthouses and other state court facilities. The directive was issued following the Supreme Court’s decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, 597 U.S. ___, 142 S.Ct. 2111, 213 L.Ed.2d 387 (2022), which listed courthouses, government buildings, and places used for governmental administration among 25 locations as “sensitive” places where a person is prohibited from carrying a firearm or destructive device.
Updated signage has been installed in state court facilities to notify all court users of this prohibition. The only exceptions to this prohibition are: (1) Sheriff’s Officers who provide courthouse security; (2) on-duty law enforcement officers on official business; (3) armored car employees who are escorted by a Sheriff’s Officer; and (4) any other authorized security entity.
The policy only applies to state-level Judiciary locations, but municipalities and counties are “strongly urged to establish similar policies.” Assignment judges and trial court administrators will work with municipal leaders on establishing and enforcing similar protocols.
Out-of-State Custody Orders
The Administrative Office of the Courts issued a new directive that updates procedures and forms for registering and enforcing an out-of-state custody, parenting time, and visitation orders pursuant to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). Directive 12-23 supersedes Directive 9-07 and is applicable for custody determinations made in foreign countries.
For more information about these updates, visit njcourts.gov.