Year: 2025

New Jersey Supreme Court Addresses Law Firm Use of Competitive Keyword Advertising

New Jersey Supreme Court Addresses Law Firm Use of Competitive Keyword Advertising

In In re Opinion No. 735 of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics, the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the practice of purchasing a competitor’s name as a keyword does not, in itself, constitute a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs). However, the Court

NJ Supreme Court Holds Defendant in PDVA FRO Hearing Can Invoke Fifth Amendment

NJ Supreme Court Holds Defendant in PDVA FRO Hearing Can Invoke Fifth Amendment

In M.A. v. J.H.M. (A-1-24/089673) (Decided May 27, 2025), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that a defendant in a Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) final restraining order (FRO) hearing may invoke the privilege against self-incrimination in response to specific questions that raise reasonable risks of self-incrimination. The

NJ Supreme Court Rules Jury Should Have Been Instructed on Castle Doctrine

NJ Supreme Court Rules Jury Should Have Been Instructed on Castle Doctrine

In State v. John T. Bragg (A-13-24/089446) (Decided May 6, 2025), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the jury should have been instructed on the castle doctrine and, therefore, any conviction involving self-defense must be vacated. Under New Jersey law, while individuals may use force against others to

NJ Supreme Court Rules Jury Should Have Been Instructed on Castle Doctrine

NJ Supreme Court Rules Jury Should Have Been Instructed on Castle Doctrine

In State v. John T. Bragg (A-13-24/089446) (Decided May 6, 2025), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the jury should have been instructed on the castle doctrine and, therefore, any conviction involving self-defense must be vacated. Under New Jersey law, while individuals may use force against others to

NJ Municipalities Subject to Sanctions for Frivolous Lawsuits

NJ Municipalities Subject to Sanctions for Frivolous Lawsuits

In Borough of Englewood Cliffs v. Thomas J. Trautner (A-19-24/089406) (Decided May 7, 2025), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that municipalities and municipal corporations that engage in frivolous litigation are subject to sanctions under New Jersey’s Frivolous Litigation Statute (FLS). Facts of Borough of Englewood Cliffs v. Trautner

NJ Supreme Court Rules New Jersey Turnpike Authority Properly Rejected Bid

NJ Supreme Court Rules New Jersey Turnpike Authority Properly Rejected Bid

In In the Matter of Protest Filed by El Sol Contracting and Construction Corp., Contract T100.638 (A-33-24/090076), the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) did not act in an arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable manner when it rejected the bid for a redecking project

NJ Supreme Hears Oral Arguments in Clergy Sex Abuse

NJ Supreme Hears Oral Arguments in Clergy Sex Abuse

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in In re the Matter Concerning the State Grand Jury (089571). The closely watched case centers on whether a grand jury has the authority to investigate the Catholic Church’s handling of sex abuse allegations. Facts of the Case In 2018, then-Attorney General

NJ Supreme Court to Address Personal Guarantees in Contracts

NJ Supreme Court to Address Personal Guarantees in Contracts

The Supreme Court of New Jersey recently granted certification in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. E&N Construction Inc. The case involves when individuals executing business contracts can be held personally liable. Facts of Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. E&N Construction Inc. Plaintiff Extech Building Materials, Inc. (Extech) sought sums allegedly