The New Jersey Superior Court is one of the busiest and largest trial courts in the United States. It handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and appellate matters. It serves as the primary trial court for most major legal disputes and is tasked with providing justice and resolving disputes for the people of New Jersey.
Each year, thousands of people fill out the New Jersey Superior Court for various reasons, either as plaintiffs or defendants. The number of people involved in the court system can fluctuate from year to year due to different factors such as population growth, changes in laws, and societal issues. However, to get an idea of the court's workload and the number of cases it handles, let's take a look at some statistics.
In recent years, the New Jersey Superior Court has seen an average of over 450,000 cases filed annually. These cases encompass a wide range of legal matters, including civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, and family disputes. The court is divided into several divisions, such as the Civil Division, the Criminal Division, the Chancery Division, and the Family Division, each handling different types of cases.
The Civil Division deals with lawsuits involving personal injury, contract disputes, property matters, and various other civil issues. It receives a significant number of filings each year, with tens of thousands of civil cases being brought to the New Jersey Superior Court for resolution.
The Criminal Division handles a substantial caseload as well, ranging from minor offenses to serious felonies. This division primarily deals with criminal prosecutions initiated by the state against individuals accused of committing crimes. The number of criminal cases filed each year can vary, but it typically accounts for a significant portion of the court's workload.
The Chancery Division handles cases related to equity and fairness, particularly those involving trusts, estates, guardianships, and domestic relations. Similarly, the Family Division focuses on matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. Both divisions have a substantial number of cases filed each year due to the complex nature of the issues they address.
In addition to these divisions, the New Jersey Superior Court also has an Appellate Division, which reviews decisions made by the trial courts and ensures that they are in line with the law. The Appellate Division is responsible for numerous appeals each year, playing a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
Overall, the New Jersey Superior Court handles a significant volume of cases each year, serving as a vital institution for justice and dispute resolution in the state. Its workload reflects the diverse legal needs of the people of New Jersey and underscores the importance of having an efficient and accessible court system to address their concerns.