The Supreme Court proposed amendments to the current process for landlord tenant matters, amending two court rules to implement changes to forms and filing requirements. The New Jersey State Bar Association is reviewing the proposed amendments.
A Notice to the Bar issued late last month proposes amendments to R. 6:2-1 and R. 6:3-4 to implement four changes to the process in landlord tenant matters:
- Revise the landlord tenant complaint form located at Appendix XI-X of the New Jersey Rules of Court to “further reduce the possibility of an improper residential eviction.” The Judiciary worked with stakeholders to create a standardized complaint form.
- Require the form be filed by attorneys and self-represented landlords. Currently, the form is recommended as a model.
- Revise the tenancy summons to reincorporate the trial date consistent with pre-COVID-19 practices. Currently, there is no trial date on the summons because it was removed from the tenancy summons during COVID-19 as a result of the suspension of trials.
- Remove from the Landlord Case Information Statement a reference to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The full notice can be found here. Written comments must be submitted by Monday, April 28 either by email to [email protected] or by mail at:
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts
Administrative Office of the Courts
Attn: Residential Landlord Tenant Forms & Processes
Hughes Justice Complex
Post Office Box 037
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0037.
Comments must include a name and address, or name and email address if emailing comments.
Judiciary Proposes Standards for Electronic Media Presentations in Courtrooms
The Judiciary proposed a standard to allow the presentation of digital content “in a consistent, effective and impartial manner” in the courtroom. The New Jersey State Bar Association is reviewing the proposal in response to the Court’s request for comments.
“Every day, in courtrooms throughout New Jersey and the nation, attorneys and self-represented court users bring electronic or digital media for presentation in court proceedings,” said Acting Administrator of the Courts Hon. Michael J. Blee, J.A.D. He announced five proposals:
- HDMI standard: Any digital content should be prepared with the use of a device that can plug into an HDMI connection. The party presenting digital content should confirm that their device is HDMI-compatible and, if it is not, obtain and bring an appropriate HDMI adapter. The court is not responsible to provide an adapter to enable the presentation of digital content.
- Non-electronic alternatives: Parties should be prepared to present media in a non-electronic format, such as a printed copy of a document or photograph.
- No change to electronic evidence system: Where already permitted, electronic evidence should continue to be submitted to the Judiciary’s Electronic Evidence Submission system.
- New form for requests for assistance: Parties who anticipate potential technical challenges or have questions about presenting digital media may contact the vicinage by submitting an online form from the Judiciary requesting help.
- Ongoing availability of courthouse technology rooms: Courthouse technology rooms will remain available to the parties to present digital media in court proceedings.
You may view a copy of the notice here. Comments are due by May 2 in writing by email to [email protected] or by mail to:
Hon. Michael J. Blee
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts
Comments on Proposed HDMI Standard for Digital Presentations
Hughes Justice Complex
Post Office Box 037
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0037
All comments must contain a name and address and, for emailed comments, an email address.