Transparency in New Jersey's Judiciary Takes Center Stage

During a recent Assembly Budget Committee meeting, the New Jersey judiciary highlighted significant strides in transparency under Chief Justice Stuart Rabner's leadership. The judiciary has made court proceedings more accessible to the public, a move aimed at fostering greater engagement and understanding of the legal system.

For the first time, appellate division oral arguments are being live-streamed on the judiciary's website, a practice that mirrors the long-standing live streaming of Supreme Court hearings. This initiative, which began in September, is part of a broader effort to enhance public access to court filings and proceedings. Additionally, new policies have been adopted to allow live streaming of more election-related hearings, ensuring that citizens can stay informed about critical judicial matters.

Judge Fleet expressed pride in the judiciary's commitment to transparency, emphasizing the importance of allowing the public to witness the work of judges and staff firsthand. The meeting also acknowledged the contributions of judges like Grant and Grenoble, who have played vital roles in advancing the judiciary's goals, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the judiciary continues to implement these changes, the focus remains on keeping citizens engaged and informed, marking a significant step forward in public access to the courts.