[1974 Code § 2-47]
The Municipal Court is established and empowered by State Statute.
The Municipal Court is a branch of the court system operating in New
Jersey. It is a creation of Statutes highly regulated by the Supreme
Court through the administrative office of the courts. Since the Municipal
Court receives administrative support from the community but does
not fit into any predetermined element of government, it has been
separately listed apart from any other section. The purpose of the
Municipal Court is to provide a system of justice at a local level
so that inhabitants within the Township may secure, in a prompt and
orderly fashion, a redress of grievances and disputes over which the
Municipal Court system has jurisdiction. The Court shall continue
to be known as the "Municipal Court of the Township of Berkeley."
[1974 Code § 2-48]
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:8-5, a Judge of the Municipal Court
shall be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of Council.
The Judge shall be a resident of the State of New Jersey and an attorney
at law of the State of New Jersey for at least five years. The Judge
of the Municipal Court need not reside in Berkeley Township. The term
shall be for three years from the date of his appointment and until
his successor is appointed and qualified. Any appointment to fill
a vacancy for cause other than by the expiration of his term shall
be made for the unexpired term only. Compensation for the Judge shall
be fixed by the Salary Ordinance.
[1974 Code § 2-49]
In addition to such other duties as may be described by State
Statute, the Judge of the Municipal Court shall:
a. Act as presiding official within the Municipal Court of the Township
and have the authority to perform the statutory duties of Municipal
Judge for the Township.
b. In January of each year, designate, on forms prescribed by law, three
other individuals to be designated as Acting Judges for the Township
of Berkeley. In the event that a Judge is precluded by law from handling
of a particular matter arising in his court, or, if the Judge is unavailable
for any other good cause, he shall designate one of the individuals
selected in January to act in his stead.
c. Designate when sessions of Court shall be held.
d. Post a bond paid for the Township in the amount and in the form required
by law at the Berkeley Township Law Enforcement Center.
e. Act as administrative head of the Office of the Court and be responsible
for the proper and efficient administration of the Court. In performing
this duty, the Judge of the Municipal Court shall be mindful of the
rules and regulations promulgated by the administrative director of
the courts and the Division of Local Finance.
[1974 Code § 2-51]
There may be a Violations Clerk appointed by the Judge of the
Municipal Court. This individual shall have the powers and duties
prescribed under the New Jersey Rules of Court and such other duties
as may be prescribed by the Judge of the Municipal Court.