Assemblywoman Aura Dunn Raises Concerns About New Jersey Judge Shortage's Impact on Children

Dunn calls for prioritizing the judicial confirmation process to resume family court cases as judge shortage results in paused civil and divorce trials.

MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY – Passaic County is set to join Hunterdon, Somerset, and Warren counties in pausing civil and divorce trials due to a severe judge shortage. Assemblywoman Aura Dunn has expressed grave concern that this crisis is leaving children in a dangerous limbo and is urging Governor Phil Murphy and Senate leadership to accelerate the judicial confirmation process so family court cases can resume.

Dunn (R-Morris) highlighted that the persistent shortage of judges poses a significant threat to child safety and wellbeing, especially for children in North Jersey whose cases are now on hold indefinitely. 

“It is yet another indication that this administration and Senate leadership does not put family first,” Dunn stated.

There are currently 55 judicial vacancies in New Jersey. Without confirmations over the summer, retirements will push this number to 62 vacancies by September 1st. Courts generally consider a vacancy level of 25 to 30 judges to be manageable.

“New Jersey’s courts are at an impasse because of the judge shortage, and there is no real commitment from Democrats that the Senate Judiciary Committee will meet in July or August. Meanwhile, children are waiting on official custody decisions and possibly living in situations that are not healthy mentally or physically,” Dunn added.

Currently, 18 Superior Court nominees are pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Democrat Sen. Brian Stack.

“Until there is a date on the calendar clearly indicating the judicial nominations are moving forward, promises to the public to fill the vacancies are meaningless,” Dunn said.

The assemblywoman's call to action emphasizes the urgency felt by everyday families affected by the issue, with the intent of preventing children from becoming victims of a malfunctioning justice system. Dunn urges state leaders to protect New Jersey’s vulnerable children by immediately addressing the shortage.