Narleski v. Gomes, ___ N.J. ___ (2020). Near the beginning of his opinion for a unanimous Supreme Court in this case, Justice Albin summarized the issue: “Under our statutes and case law, a social host over the age of twenty-one has a duty not to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest, either an adult or a minor,if it is reasonably foreseeable the guest is about to drive. This case presents a variation on that theme. Does a young adult, over the age of eighteen but under the age of twenty-one –an adult under the lawful drinking age –have a duty not to facilitate the...

At this time of the year, our Supreme Court and Appellate Division go relatively quiet. But the Third Circuit often reaches a peak. Today, for example, that court issued five published opinions. Here are summaries: Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. v. Attorney General of New Jersey, ___ F.3d ___ (3d Cir. 2020). In this appeal, the court was “asked to determine whether a New Jersey statute that makes it illegal to possess large capacity magazines (“LCMs”)– defined as magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition– violates...

Pickett v. Moore’s Lounge, ___ N.J. Super. ___ (App. Div. 2020). This was an insurance coverage case. Plaintiff’s decedent was shot to death at the defendant tavern by another patron following an argument. After settling with other defendants, plaintiff sought payment from the tavern’s liability insurer. The appeal, decided today, focused on a policy exclusion for claims “arising out of any act of ‘assault’ or ‘battery’ committed by any person” and encompassed any claims “arising out of … any act or omission in connection with...