Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Proposed bill would allow police officers to search cell phones after accidents. Supporters say it will help curb distracted driving-related incidents. Opponents say it violates drivers' rights.
When stopped by police, motorists usually are asked to present a driver's license and registration. If a bill just introduced before the state Senate becomes law, cell phones could be added to that list. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Ocean), would allow police to search a driver's cell phone without a warrant to determine if he or she was talking or texting immediately prior to a motor vehicle accident, according to an NJ.com report. Those in favor of the measure say it will give law enforcement officers—who must have "reasonable grounds" to demand the phone—an important asset in investigating crashes involving distracted driving, the article said. Using a cell phone while driving is a violation of New Jersey …
Monday, March 26, 2012
Christie is entitled to appointments, and the Dems are obligated to keep the court in balance.
Last week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Trenton provided yet another New Jersey example of civics in action. It wasn't pretty, but it was necessary. By a 7-6 vote, the committee rejected one of Gov. Chris Christie’s two nominees for the state Supreme Court. After a marathon session, Phillip Kwon, who worked for U.S. Attorney Christie, was still just the number two man in the state Attorney General’s office. And Christie’s other nominee, Chatham Mayor Bruce Harris, had to leave without even a hearing, which may have been a blessing compared to what Kwon went through. Harris now has weeks, at least, to wait until he gets his own turn. While there were questions about a family business, it was clear the hearing and the rejection …
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Signed into law after lame duck session of legislature
A bill aimed at preventing teen suicide was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Chris Christie. The bill—A-3659—sponsored by state Assembly members Mary Pat Angelini and Dave Rible, both R-Monmouth, requires the commissioner of Children and Families to develop and adopt a statewide youth suicide prevention plan within the next six months. The prevention plan is to be developed in concert with the Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. Under the bill, the plan will identify, collect and share data with state and local sources on youth suicide deaths, attempts and self-inflicted injuries, as well as promote greater public awareness about youth suicide and prevention resources. “This legislation…
Local, state officials react to sudden loss of Assembly minority leader.
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Tuesday, January 10, 2012
This story will be updated throughout the day: Local officials and former colleagues expressed shock Tuesday morning after learning Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Parsippany) collapsed and died suddenly late Monday night at the Statehouse. "I was totally shocked, that was totally unexpected," Butler Mayor Robert Alviene said. "He did what he could for us while he was in power. I'm sure his heart was in the right place all the time for the county here. Im sure he'll be missed." As a result of DeCroce's death, Gov. Chris Christie will postpone his State of the State address, originally scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. He is expected to deliver a eulogy to DeCroce instead. Patch will stream Christie's remarks live at 1 p.m…
CJV
12:05 am on Tuesday, June 18, 2013
All of this was decided, rightly or wrongly, when cops were allowed to arrest you if you refused to take a breathalyzer and field sobriety test. Heck, the courts even permit flagrantly unconsitutional sobriety checkpoints. You're guilty until proven innocent not only when there is an incident, but even when not, as with the checkpoints. more ›