After being closed for more than a year, New Jersey courts are resuming in-person services, with capacity limited to 50%. Some lawyers say it’s a step in the right direction but they fear that relief won’t come soon because of a major backlog of cases. Starting Tuesday, the courts reopen for in-person criminal jury trials. Civil jury trials will largely stay remote. The state’s shortage of judges is also a major issue.

According to data from New Jersey Courts, as of April 2021 the state is experiencing an overall increase of 146.6% of backlogged cases compared to last year. In Hudson County alone the backlog of cases is up 225.7%.

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