We previously editorialized on the need for more judicial transparency in the form of livestreaming oral arguments before the Appellate Division or some other recording method. At the time we had urged that reform the Appellate Division was the only level of court in New Jersey that did not record or transcribe its public proceedings. That finally has changed. The judiciary announced that beginning this month, “the public will be able to observe Appellate Division oral arguments on its livestreams page at njcourts.gov.” Livestreams of oral arguments before the Supreme Court have been available since 2005. The announcement also noted that the briefs filed by the parties before both the Supreme Court and Appellate Division will be posted at least five days in advance of the scheduled oral arguments before each respective appellate court.

In announcing these changes, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said, “An engaged and informed citizenry improves public trust in the courts and strengthens our justice system as a whole. And as technology evolves, it affords greater opportunities to expand public access to the courts.”