Associate Justice Harry Heher

Early Life and Education

Harry Heher was born on March 20, 1889, in Trenton, New Jersey.

Harry Heher was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. After completing the commercial course at Trenton High School, he pursued legal studies through independent apprenticeship — the traditional “reading law” method — before being admitted to the bar in 1915. His early years were marked by deep civic involvement and a commitment to public service in his home city.

Early Legal and Political Career

Before his judicial appointment, Heher built a reputation as a principled and analytical lawyer with a strong grasp of state constitutional matters.

He was active in Democratic Party politics and served as Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee from 1922 to 1932, where he played a key role in rebuilding the party’s influence during the post–World War I era.
His political leadership and legal acumen earned him statewide respect, paving the way for a distinguished judicial career.

Judicial Career

Harry Heher was appointed to the New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals — the state’s highest court under the 1844 Constitution — in 1932 by Governor A. Harry Moore.

He served on that bench with distinction for nearly a decade, known for opinions that demonstrated clarity, fairness, and a deep respect for constitutional principles.

In 1941, following the reorganization of New Jersey’s court system, Heher was appointed as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, continuing his tenure under the new constitutional framework until his retirement in 1960.
During his nearly three decades on the state’s highest courts, Justice Heher was widely recognized for his intellectual independence, precise legal reasoning, and commitment to the rule of law.

Professional and Civic Engagement

Justice Heher remained active in both professional and community life. He was a long-time member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and contributed to legal education through mentorship and lectures.

He was known for his humility and sense of civic responsibility, often emphasizing that “law must serve the people — not merely govern them.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Justice Heher lived most of his life in Trenton and was deeply connected to the local community. He passed away on October 17, 1972, at the age of 83.
His legacy endures through the clarity and balance of his judicial opinions, which remain cited for their thoughtful treatment of constitutional and equity issues.

Among New Jersey jurists, Heher is remembered as a bridge between the state’s early 20th-century legal tradition and its modern constitutional era.