How to Learn About the New Jersey Legal System
Nearly seven million cases are filed each year within the New Jersey legal system, and the structure of the courts is designed to process each case in a uniform manner. Established by the state constitution, the New Jersey legal system is an independent arm of state government and is charged with resolving disputes and ensuring the rights of state residents. Information about the New Jersey legal system can be found in a number of ways.
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Instructions
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Visit the New Jersey judiciary branch website. It provides information on the mission statement and structure of the court system, and maintains a helpful outline of the system. In New Jersey, the court system is made up of three types of courts -- municipal, tax and superior -- with the superior court including the trial, appellate and Supreme courts. The function and structure of each of these courts are explained on the website.
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Research the court system at your local library. The New Jersey State library maintains a research section on its website with information about the legal system and other resources. Numerous print materials also exist about the history and structure of the New Jersey legal system, and librarians will be able to direct you to the proper books and periodicals. The New Jersey State Law Journal, in addition to its periodical, also produces a number of books about the system.
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Attend a court tour. Tours of the main court facility in Newark can be scheduled through the office of the ombudsman, a neutral staff member who is responsible for community relations and assistance. Local courts in other areas of the state can also arrange tours, either through their ombudsmen or community outreach coordinators.
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Participate in a seminar presented by the New Jersey Bar Foundation. Established to educate the public about legal issues, the New Jersey Bar Foundation also offers helpful print and video materials on the New Jersey legal system and can arrange speakers for events. Most of the services offered by the foundation are free.
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Attend Law Day events. May 1 is Law Day, and the New Jersey courts, state bar association and other law organizations produce programs to educate the public on the legal system, including seminars, tours and contests.
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Tips & Warnings
Local community colleges may periodically offer seminars on the New Jersey legal system.
References
- Photo Credit Legal Law Justice image by Stacey Alexander from Fotolia.com
