Group Warns Christie Must Reappoint Liberal Judge

The New Jersey Bar Association is warning Gov. Chris Christie that he must reappoint the chief justice of the state Supreme Court, who has angered the governor with a string of liberal rulings on issues such as affordable housing, education funding and marriage.

The association on Thursday endorsed the re-nomination of Stuart Rabner, whose term ends in June. They said that a refusal to rename him would represent “an unprecedented intrusion of politics” into the judiciary. It says Rabner has “authored dozens of opinions that exhibit intellectual rigor, clear reasoning and an unbiased commitment to improving New Jersey law.”

Christie made the composition of the court an issue during his first run for governor, saying he would reshape a court he viewed as too activist. He has criticized some of its rulings and refused to reappoint two previous justices. He has not yet revealed his position on Rabner, who was appointed by former Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat.

Rabner, 53, would gain tenure if reappointed, enabling him to serve until the age of 70.

This article appeared in print on page 5 of the February 21st, 2014 edition of Hamodia.