For the last few years, New Jersey’s courts have been hobbled by an extraordinary judicial shortage that has stalled trials, backlogged dockets, prolonged trial delays, and the shutdown of civil and divorce dockets in some vicinages, with virtually every level of the judiciary feeling considerable strain.
Now, with the State Senate confirming sixteen new Superior Court judges on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy will depart office next week with the number of judicial vacancies reduced to just eleven – the lowest in more than two decades.
Since taking office eight years ago, Murphy has nominated 245 new Superior Court judges, accounting for more than half of the state’s 463 Superior Court judgeships. Including reappointments of sitting judges to tenured positions after an initial seven-year term, Murphy has made a total of 458 Superior Court nominations – 40 more than his predecessor, Republican Chris Christie.
“Our administration is proud to leave the Judiciary nearly fully staffed, ensuring more New Jerseyans get the justice they deserve,” Murphy said. “I am grateful to the Senate—and especially Senate President Nick Scutari and Judiciary Chair Brian Stack—for their partnership as we worked to reverse the vacancy crisis that surged during the pandemic.”
In the spring of 2022, vacancies peaked at 78; now, 17 counties have none.
Staffing gaps have been nearly eliminated elsewhere in the judicial system. The Division of Workers’ Compensation now has zero vacancies, and only three positions remain open at the Office of Administrative Law.
Murphy’s judicial picks have also reshaped the makeup of the bench. A number of his nominations have been historic firsts for women and for underrepresented racial, ethnic, and religious communities. The outgoing governor had frequently stressed that the judiciary should “reflect the nine-and-a-half million residents of the Garden State,” and the administration points to its record as the most diverse slate of judicial nominees in state history.
Beyond the Superior Court, staffing gaps are nearly eliminated elsewhere in the judicial system. The Division of Workers’ Compensation now has zero vacancies, and only three positions remain open at the Office of Administrative Law.
Senate President Scutari, who previously chaired the Judiciary Committee, said the Legislature approached confirmations with seriousness and speed over the last several years.
“I believe New Jersey has the best Judiciary in the country,” stated Scutari. “The Senate has worked closely with Governor Murphy to select and confirm highly qualified judges. We take our responsibility of advice and consent seriously, and we have succeeded in filling a record number of vacancies so our courts can function effectively.”
Republican leaders echoed that message, while stressing that the next administration cannot let progress stall.
“Reducing judicial vacancies to the lowest level in more than two decades is an important step forward,” said Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco. “But the process can’t stop here. Our courts work best when vacancies are the exception, not the rule, and the new administration must prioritize timely, qualified confirmations.”
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brian Stack called the latest confirmations “meaningful progress toward strengthening our court system and ensuring timely access to justice.”
“Reducing vacancies on the bench has been imperative and remains a top priority of the Senate to ensure our courts function efficiently, fairly, and without unnecessary delay,” said Stack.
The ranking Republican on the judiciary panel, Kristin Corrado said that “filling 245 judicial vacancies is a significant milestone and a testament to the collaborative efforts to strengthen our judiciary.”
“While this progress is encouraging, there is still important work ahead. Vacancies still remain, and it is critical that we sustain this momentum so every courtroom across New Jersey is fully staffed,” Corrado said. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues to close the remaining gaps and uphold the integrity and efficiency of our justice system.”
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