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...

Bandler v. Landry’s, Inc., ___ N.J. Super. ___ (App. Div. 2020). Plaintiff, a competitive poker player, saw an advertisement for a “Grand Poker Series” tournament to be held at the Golden Nugget casino in Atlantic City. Plaintiff alleged that the ad promised $150,000 in prize money. from twelve “one day tournaments” to be held over the course of ten days. The ad did not state whether that prize money was guaranteed, but it did say, in small print at the bottom, that “Management reserves all rights to change or cancel at any time.” Plaintiff traveled...

Chief Justice Rabner has issued the General Assignment Order for 2020-21, which is available here. Judge Ostrer has replaced Judge Koblitz, who will be retiring, as Presiding Judge of Part C. The other Presiding Judges, who include Judges Sabatino, Fasciale, Alvarez, Messano, Fisher, Yannotti, and Fuentes, remain in place. Judge Messano continues as Presiding Judge for Administration, as does Judge Sabatino as Deputy Presiding Judge for Administration. The eight panels have been rejiggered, as is the case every year. Parts E and F list “TEMPORARY ASSIGNEE” as their fourth member....