Selection of N.J. State Judges

Donald Caminiti

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New Jersey Lawyer
FORMER JUSTICE: SENATORS TOO INFLUENTIAL ON JUDGE PICKS
Former Justice Gary S. Stein says state senators have too much power over judicial appointments and that it has lowered the quality of the trial bench. During a panel discussion on the relationship between governors and the Supreme Court, Stein said senators, through senatorial courtesy, have "far more influence than the constitution contemplated." Under senatorial courtesy, senators get to approve appointments in their home counties; if they don't approve, the name won't move through the Senate. Stein said, "The quality of our trial bench depends on the discretion of the executive to pick good judges" and not on the senators. For the full story, see this week's New Jersey Lawyer or the newspaper's website, www.njlnews.com.