Following the recommendations of the 1985 Judicial Conference on Municipal Courts, the Supreme Court established the position of Presiding Judge-Municipal Courts in a number of vicinages. Presiding Judges-Municipal Courts, who are selected from among sitting Municipal Court Judges, work with vicinage administrative staff to coordinate the management, oversight and training of the Municipal Court Judges and support staff. Moreover, a number of Assignment Judges have authorized the establishment of a Municipal Division within their vicinage to assist in the administration of the Municipal Courts. As a result, a Superior Court Judge rehears the case based on a review of the Municipal Court proceedings, with occasional oral arguments by pro se appellants or defense attorneys. This method of appeal has greatly reduced the time devoted to Municipal Court appeals, while continuing the high quality of justice the citizens of New Jersey have come to expect from their court system.
Installation is on schedule to meet that requirement.
This training is instituted through a variety of means. The training format includes five full days of workshops and lectures. The course provides a comprehensive orientation of Municipal Court policies, practices and procedures, ranging from case management and budget issues to the Rules of Court and basic legal procedures impacting Municipal Court operations. A general two-day course focusing on the basics of the Municipal Court system is part of the program and is available to all new Municipal Court employees. Additionally, legislation has been enacted providing for the establishment of a Judiciary Certification Board that will certify Municipal Court Administrators through a comprehensive education program .