The committee report released by the New Jersey State Supreme Court has recommended for various reforms to be implemented. These include requiring treatment for defendants who have problems with substance abuse and mental health. It also seeks to discourage the suspension of driver’s licenses for those who have failed to pay fees and fines. Furthermore, the report also stated that stricter scrutiny must be provided to those who will be appointed judges in the municipal court.

Press Investigation on the Municipal Court

The report has placed the responsibility of reforming the municipal courts to the Legislature. Handling millions of low-level cases every year, the reputation of the municipal court has been tarnished for years since many believe that political considerations and revenue are being given more priority than justice.

In a Press Investigation done in 2016, it was found that several towns had been relying greatly on the fines collected by the municipal court in funding their budgets. Furthermore, the municipal court judges, whom the local government has appointed, are often being pressured to bring in more revenue. The report was cited in the Supreme Court and the reform bills were introduced in the New Jersey Senate. 

Lost Sight of Justice Aspect

In a statement released by Senator Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, who was among the authors of the reform effort, he stated that there’s an unfortunate reality where local officials have lost sight of the judiciary’s justice aspect because they are more concerned of the revenue. He also stated that there are judges who would brag at cocktail parties about the revenue they have generated for the municipality that they work for. The senator finds this very disgraceful and unfortunate.

Recommendations

Of all the recommendations presented in the report, 14 of these have pushed for the implementation of new laws and changes to the existing laws. When these recommendations are ratified, it will surely enhance the experience of the millions who visit the state’s municipal court every year. 

The recommendations include the following:

Eliminating the suspension of driver’s license for those who are unable to pay their fines on the njmcdirect ticket payment.

Establishing a deferral program for traffic ticket where minor offenses on a motor vehicle will be eliminated if the driver can maintain a good driving record for a certain time.

Imposing uniform penalties on certain ordinance violations including littering and causing excessive noise.

Lowering the maximum prison penalty to 30 days from 90 days for those who have violated ordinance laws.

However, it is not yet clear if the lawmakers of the state will be acting on these suggestions. In an investigation report done by the Asbury Park Press, it was found that several legislators who are powerful enough to act on the reform were able to benefit financially from the existing system. Senator O’Scanlon, who has previously introduced several legislations that would reform the state’s local courts, is hopeful that such a report could trigger policymakers to act out on various recommendations.