Terms Used In New Jersey Statutes 2A:23A-2

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
a. Any provision in a written contract whereby the parties agree to settle by means of alternative resolution, as provided in this act, (1) any controversy that may arise from the contract or from a refusal to perform the contract or (2) any written agreement whereby the parties to an existing controversy agree to use alternative resolution as provided in this act, whether the controversy arose out of a contract or otherwise, is valid, enforceable and irrevocable, except upon such grounds as exist at law or in equity for the revocation of a contract. In order for the provisions of this act to be applicable, it shall be sufficient that the parties signify their intention to resolve their dispute by reference in the agreement to “The New Jersey Alternative Procedure for Dispute Resolution Act” (P.L. 1987, c. 54; C. 2A:23A-1 et seq.).

b. Any contract provision or agreement described in subsection a. of this section shall be construed as an implied consent by the parties to the jurisdiction of the Superior Court to enforce that provision or agreement pursuant to the provisions set forth in this act and to enter judgment thereon. The contract provision or agreement shall constitute a waiver by the parties of the right to trial by jury and to appeal or review, except as specifically provided for in this act.

L. 1987, c. 54, s. 2.