New Jersey Mock Trial Rules

Northeast

NJ · Capital: Trenton

Evidence Rules

New Jersey Rules of Evidence

Citation: N.J.R.E. [rule number]

N.J.R.E. 803(c)(25) provides a broader residual hearsay exception than FRE 807 with fewer prerequisite conditions
New Jersey follows its own net opinion rule for expert testimony, barring opinions without factual support
N.J.R.E. 404(b) requires a Cofield/Rose four-part test before admitting other crimes evidence
New Jersey recognizes a broader news reporter privilege under the Shield Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-21)

Rule	Description
N.J.R.E. 702	Expert testimony standard based on the net opinion rule, requiring experts to provide factual foundation for all opinions
N.J.R.E. 803(c)(25)	Residual hearsay exception with relaxed requirements allowing admission when statement has equivalent guarantees of reliability
N.J.R.E. 508	Newsperson privilege (Shield Law) providing broad protection for journalists against compelled disclosure of sources

Civil Procedure

New Jersey Rules of Court, Part IV (Civil)

Criminal Procedure

New Jersey Rules of Court, Part III (Criminal)

New Jersey uses an Entire Controversy Doctrine requiring all claims arising from a transaction to be litigated in one action
The state employs a mandatory arbitration program for civil cases under $15,000
New Jersey uses a Model Jury Charge system with standardized jury instructions for all case types

Civil Jury Size

Criminal Jury Size

Unanimity Required

Civil juries of 6 require a 5/6 majority verdict in most cases
Criminal juries of 12 must reach unanimous verdicts for all indictable offenses
New Jersey eliminated the grand jury presentment power, using only indictments for serious crimes

New Jersey requires all related claims between parties to be raised in a single action, more expansive than federal compulsory counterclaim rules

Experience a realistic courtroom simulation using New Jersey rules and procedures.