Author: Caitilin Dettmer

SCOTUS Rules Board’s Verbal Censure of Member Didn’t Violate First Amendment

SCOTUS Rules Board’s Verbal Censure of Member Didn’t Violate First Amendment

In Houston Community College System v. Wilson, the U.S. Supreme Court held that an elected trustee who was publicly censured by his board did not have a First Amendment claim. In reaching its decision, the Court explained that the purely verbal censure was itself a form of free speech by

NJ Supreme Court Issues Important Decision Regarding Disclosure of Internal Affairs Records

NJ Supreme Court Issues Important Decision Regarding Disclosure of Internal Affairs Records

The New Jersey Supreme Court recently clarified when police internal affairs (IA) reports must be disclosed to the public under both the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and the common law right of access. The court ultimately concluded that while OPRA does not permit access to internal affairs reports, records can

SCOTUS Declines to Hear School Transgender Bathroom Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear Doe v. Boyertown Area School District. The Court’s refusal to grant certiorari means that the Third Circuit’s decision allowing a Pennsylvania school district to adopt a transgender-friendly bathroom policy will remain in place.  Challenge to Transgender Bathroom Policy Prior to the 2016–17 school

NJ Court Rules Variance Condition Discriminated Against Renters

NJ Court Rules Variance Condition Discriminated Against Renters

In Tirpak v. Borough of Point Pleasant Beach Bd. of Adjustment, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court invalidated a variance provision and associated deed restriction that required one unit of a two-family dwelling to be occupied by the owner and not rented to a third-party tenant. The decision

NJ Senate Poised to Vote on Shared Services Bill

The New Jersey Senate is currently considering legislation that aims to encourage and facilitate the provision of local and regional services through shared service agreements and joint contracts. Notably, Senate Bill 1 provides that a municipality would be subject to a reduction in State aid if it fails to approve a recommendation

Oral Arguments Held in NJ Cases Involving Constitutionality of Church Grants

The Supreme Court of New Jersey recently held oral arguments in two cases regarding whether the New Jersey Constitution bans government agencies from giving grants to local churches. The cases are Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey v.