New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Charges

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Reflecting on Eight Years of Service on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Charges

 

As my final term on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Charges comes to a close, I find myself filled with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. Serving on this committee has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my legal career, and I am honored to have been part of such a dedicated and talented group of professionals.

 

What the Committee Does

 

For those unfamiliar with the committee’s work, let me explain why this group plays a crucial role in our justice system. The Committee on Model Civil Jury Charges is responsible for drafting, reviewing, and updating the jury instructions that judges provide to jurors in civil cases throughout New Jersey. These instructions—known as “model jury charges”—guide jurors in applying the law to the facts of the case they are deciding. 

 

Model jury charges are essential because they ensure that jurors understand the legal standards they must use when deliberating on a case. Whether the case involves personal injury, breach of contract, or employment discrimination, these charges help translate complex legal concepts into clear, understandable language. By doing so, they ensure that justice is administered fairly and consistently.

 

The Importance of Our Work

 

Our committee’s work is about more than just writing legal text; it’s about shaping the very framework within which justice is delivered. When jurors understand the law, they are better equipped to make fair decisions that align with the legal principles that govern our society. Each word in a jury charge is chosen carefully, reflecting years of legal precedent and consideration of how best to convey complex legal concepts to everyday citizens.

 

As lawyers, judges, and legal scholars, our goal is to ensure that these instructions are as clear and precise as possible. We constantly review and revise charges to reflect changes in the law and the evolving understanding of legal issues. This is especially important in areas where the law is in flux or where social norms are shifting.

 

My Journey with the Committee

 

I joined the committee eight years ago, eager to contribute and collaborate with some of the most distinguished legal minds in the state. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals who share a common commitment to improving our civil justice system. Each member brought a unique perspective, whether from the bench, the bar, and together, we worked tirelessly to craft instructions that would be clear, accurate, and fair.

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time on the committee was the collaborative nature of our work. Every charge we developed or revised involved a deep dive into legal principles, careful analysis of language, and robust discussion about how best to communicate complex ideas.

 

Highlights and Challenges

 

One of the highlights of my time on the committee was our work on revising charges related to new and emerging areas of law, such as privacy rights, technology disputes, and evolving standards of negligence. These charges required us to think creatively and stay abreast of the latest legal developments to ensure that our guidance to jurors was up-to-date and relevant.

 

However, the work was not without its challenges. Balancing the need for legal precision with the goal of making charges understandable to non-lawyers was a constant task. We aimed to create instructions that were not only legally sound but also accessible, knowing that jurors come from all walks of life. The process of drafting, revising, and ultimately approving each charge involved countless hours of research, meetings, and public comments. It was demanding work, but it was also incredibly fulfilling.

 

Gratitude and Looking Forward

 

I am grateful to my fellow committee members for their hard work, insights, and unwavering dedication. I am also thankful to the New Jersey Supreme Court for entrusting us with the responsibility of shaping the instructions that guide jurors in their critical role. The opportunity to serve has been a true privilege, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.

 

As I step away from the committee, I am confident that the work will continue to thrive under the capable hands of its current and future members. The challenges of our legal system are ever-evolving, and the need for clear, effective jury instructions remains as important as ever. I look forward to seeing the continued progress and improvements that will undoubtedly come.

 

To the public, I hope this gives you a glimpse into the important work that goes on behind the scenes in our courts. The model jury charges may not make headlines, but they are a fundamental part of ensuring that justice is served fairly and equitably in every civil case.

 

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this incredible journey. I will carry the lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made with me always.

 

Michael Epstein  

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.