Court Information
The legal system can be complex, confusing, and cumbersome. Montfort Law provides access to the following resources to help you become more comfortable with the entire legal process:
Resources
The Judiciary, or court system, is one of the three co-equal but independent branches of state government established by the New Jersey state constitution. Though many legal issues and disputes are settled outside the courtroom, each year millions of cases are filed in New Jersey's courts. In those cases, judges are called upon to decide disputes ranging from criminal law and motor vehicle violations to divorce and other civil matters. People set the agenda for NJ Courts through these cases and the decisions that are made by the courts significantly influence people's lives.
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to hire a private attorney. In the rare occasion that we are unable to represent you in your legal matter we recommend that you contact your local bar association and/or legal services division for legal advice. Legal Services of New Jersey coordinates the statewide Legal Services system, which provides free legal assistance to low-income residents for their civil legal problems. Through its work, Legal Services strives to secure substantive and procedural justice for those living in poverty.
• Free Legal Brochures and Publications
New Jersey judges must consider both statutory law and common law in making their decisions. Common law (also known as case law or precedent) is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and tribunals from prior cases. In most instances, judges are bound to follow the reasoning used in previous similar court decisions. While some legal search engines are unavailable to the general public you can still access certain databases to find the information you are looking for.
• Google Scholar (Case Law from 1950 - present)
• New Jersey Model Civil Jury Instructions
• New Jersey Model Criminal Jury Instructions
• Recently Published NJ Trial Court Opinions
• Recently Published NJ Supreme and Appellate Court Opinions
The government of the State of New Jersey, like that of the United States, is divided into three coequal branches: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. The principal function of the Legislature is to enact laws. Once a law has passed it is codified in the New Jersey State Statutes.
In order to raise a legitimate defense against an alleged crime, it is imperative that you know exactly what law you have been accused of breaking. The links below can help you understand more about the Legislature and the specific statutory laws that are pertinent to your case.
• New Jersey State Legislature
State Executive Branch
Case Law & Opinions
State Legislature
The state and local bar associations hold attorneys accountable for the services they provide while giving guidance to practitioners through continued legal education courses. Additionally, bar associations can help connect you to legal resources and programs. Below is a list of bar associations affiliated with our firm.
• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Essex County Bar Association
• Middlesex County Bar Association
The state executive is the Governor of New Jersey. He or she is responsible for enforcing the laws of the state and its constitution. The governor appoints the New Jersey Attorney General and the New Jersey Secretary of State, with the approval of the senate. The governor heads the executive branch, which is organized into eighteen departments and fifty-six agencies. Click on the links below to learn more about the Executive branch and some of its more service oriented departments.
• Department of Children and Families
• Department Community & Wellness
Legal Services
Bar Associations