Criminal Defense Lawyers

Morris County, New Jersey – A Lawyer’s Perspective

Morris County, New Jersey has a long and storied legal history. As one of the original counties established in 1739 under English rule, Morris County has seen its fair share of interesting legal cases over the last almost 300 years!

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the unique aspects of practicing law in Morris County – from its court system to the types of cases that frequently come up. We’ll also discuss some notable trials and legal figures from Morris County’s past. Grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

The Morris County Court System

The Morris County court system is part of New Jersey’s Superior Court, which is the state’s court of general jurisdiction. The Superior Court has three divisions – the Appellate Division, the Chancery Division, and the Law Division. Morris County has two courthouses, one in Morristown and one in Morris Plains.

The Law Division in Morris County hears civil lawsuits where the disputed amount is over $15,000. Common Law Division cases involve things like contract disputes, personal injury, and property damage. The Chancery Division handles matters like foreclosures, adoptions, and divorces.

Morris County also has Municipal Courts for traffic violations and other minor offenses committed within the county’s 39 municipalities. However, more serious criminal cases get bumped up to the Superior Court’s Criminal Division.

Notable Morris County Trials & Cases

Morris County has seen some high-profile trials play out right in its own courthouses. Here are a few of the most famous:

• The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Trial (1935) – When aviator Charles Lindbergh’s 20-month-old son was kidnapped and murdered in 1932, it became known as the “Crime of the Century.” Bruno Richard Hauptmann was arrested and stood trial in Flemington, NJ where he was ultimately convicted of murder and executed.
• The Trial of the “Morris County Three” (2015) – Three high school football players were tried for aggravated sexual assault of a female classmate. The case gained notoriety because the defendants came from well-known local families.
• Multiple “Bridgegate” Defendants (2016-2017) – Some of the defendants in the “Bridgegate” political retaliation scandal that closed lanes on the George Washington Bridge were prosecuted in Morris County. The defendants included former Port Authority officials and aides to then-Governor Chris Christie.
• Dr. James Kauffman Murder Trial (2019) – A prominent area doctor was accused of hiring a hitman to murder his wife after she threatened to expose his illegal opioid distribution ring. The case made headlines for both the murder-for-hire and drug distribution allegations.

Types of Cases Seen in Morris County

In addition to the high-profile cases that catch the media’s eye, Morris County also sees many “everyday” legal issues come through its courts:

• Family Law – Divorce, child custody/support, and domestic violence cases make up a large chunk of the Morris County family court docket. Morris County has a dedicated Family Division courthouse in Morristown.
• Contract Disputes – With many businesses located in the area, it’s no surprise contract issues frequently lead to lawsuits in Morris County. Breach of contract over things like sales/purchases, employment agreements, and service contracts often land in court.
• Real Estate Cases – Property disputes ranging from neighbor conflicts to foreclosures to landlord/tenant issues are common. Morris County’s high property values tend to raise the stakes in these cases.
• Personal Injury – With busy highways and a large suburban population, Morris County sees plenty of injury lawsuits stemming from car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice.
• Criminal Cases – From DUI charges to drug crimes to violent offenses, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office stays busy prosecuting crimes that occur within the county. However, more serious felonies get transferred to the Superior Court’s Criminal Division.

Prominent Morris County Legal Figures

Morris County has produced its fair share of notable lawyers, judges, and legal professionals over the years. Here are a few of the prominent figures who have shaped the legal landscape in Morris County:

• Stephen Crane – The novelist and short story writer was born in Newark in 1871 but spent much of his childhood in Port Jervis, NY and later studied law at Syracuse University before turning to writing full-time. Had he not become an acclaimed author, he may well have practiced law locally.
• Joel Parker – Born in Freehold in 1795, Parker practiced law in Morristown in the 1820s before being elected to Congress and later becoming Governor of New Jersey from 1863-1866 and again in 1871. He was a prominent Morris County political and legal figure in the mid-1800s.
• Lorraine Minuto – Judge Minuto became the first female judge in Morris County when she was appointed to the Superior Court bench in 1978. She later served as the presiding judge of the Family Division prior to her retirement in 2004.
• Michael Patrick Carroll – The Republican assemblyman has represented Morris County in the New Jersey legislature since 1996. He also maintains a private law practice based in Morristown where he handles civil litigation matters.
• Alfred Clapp – Clapp served as the Morris County Prosecutor from 1934 to 1941. He led the prosecution in the famous Lindbergh kidnapping case, securing a guilty verdict against Bruno Hauptmann that sent shockwaves across the country.

The Morris County Bar Association

The Morris County Bar Association (MCBA) is the main professional organization for attorneys practicing in the Morris County area. Founded in 1908, the MCBA provides educational, networking, and support resources for its member lawyers.

In addition to hosting professional development seminars and social events, the MCBA offers the public a lawyer referral service for connecting with qualified local attorneys. The MCBA also has committees focused on specific practice areas as well as diversity and inclusion initiatives within the Morris County legal community.

In Conclusion…

Practicing law in Morris County certainly has its own unique flavor! From small town municipal courts to complex Superior Court cases, there’s a diverse array of legal work happening in this North Jersey county.

The area’s long history and economic affluence also shape the types of cases and clients attorneys encounter here. And high-profile trials occasionally put Morris County in the national spotlight. But there are also dedicated professionals working every day to serve ordinary residents going through divorce, injury disputes, and other common legal needs.

So if you’re an attorney looking to establish your practice, or a Morris County resident needing top-notch legal advice, this overview of the local legal landscape hopefully provides some helpful insights! Let me know in the comments if you have any other observations about practicing law in Morris County, New Jersey!