G.C. v. Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, ___ N.J. Super. ___ (App. Div. 2020). Appellate review of an administrative agency regulation “begins with a presumption that the [Regulation is] both valid and reasonable.” Few challenges to such regulations can surmount that hurdle. Today, however, in an opinion by Judge Messano, the Appellate Division found grounds to invalidate an administrative regulation. The case involved a regulation promulgated by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (“the Division”) of the New Jersey Department of...

Yesterday, in an Order authored by Judge Natali, for himself and Judge Messano, the Appellate Division overturned a preliminary injunction against operation of the New Jersey Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act. The Appellate Division’s Order, which was thereafter affirmed by the Supreme Court, is available here. The Appellate Division elaborated on the standard for preliminary injunctive relief that was stated in Crowe v. DeGioia, 90 N.J. 126 (1982). The panel applied the abuse of discretion standard and concluded that the Law Division had abused its discretion in...

Chief Justice Rabner has issued the general Assignment Order for 2019-2020. It is available here. As occurs every year, the eight Appellate Division Parts have been reshuffled. But some things remain the same. Judge Messano continues as Presiding Judge for Administration, and Judge Sabatino as Deputy Presiding Judge for Administration. Those two judges, as well as Judges Koblitz, Alvarez, Fisher, Yannotti, and Fuentes remain as Presiding Judges of their respective Parts. Judge Fasciale has become the Presiding Judge of Part B, a position previously held by Judge Simonelli. There are two...