Alerts3.30.26
New Jersey Supreme Court Adopts Merits Briefing Model
Highlights
- The new 94-day briefing cycle is compact, and merits briefs supersede all prior filings, so practitioners should begin preparing as soon as certification is granted.
- Amicus participants face tighter constraints with a non-extendable 10-day window for amicus motions means that potential amici must actively monitor the docket and be ready to file on short notice.
- By providing a clean slate for merits briefing, the reforms allow parties to reframe arguments and present their strongest case without the constraints of prior petition papers.
The Supreme Court of New Jersey announced sweeping amendments to the court rules governing briefing in appeals before the Court. Effective for all appeals taken on or after Feb. 10, 2026, the Court has adopted a “merits briefing” model that fundamentally changes how parties and amici curiae present their arguments after the Court grants certification or leave to appeal.
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