Weinberg Statement on Actions By NJ Judiciary

Trenton – Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg issued the following statement after the New Jersey Supreme Court announced that Judge James Troiano’s recall service has concluded, the complaint to remove Judge John Russo has been officially filed, and the Administrative Office of the Courts is assessing existing educational courses in order to develop an enhanced training program for all New Jersey judges in the areas of sexual assault, domestic violence, implicit bias, and diversity:

“I am grateful for the corrective actions now being taken by our judicial system. The comments and behavior of Judges Russo and Troiano were inexcusable and neither of them should remain on the bench.

“I am further encouraged by the Court’s decision to create mandatory trainings in order to prevent and correct this type of behavior in the future. This is a strong step in the right direction, one that will go a long way in maintaining the integrity and reputation of our courts for years to come.

“As the author of the first law requiring training of judges to better handle cases of domestic violence and abuse, I look forward to ensuring that enhanced training will be done regularly. I thank Chief Justice Stuart Rabner for his continued commitment to this issue.”