NEW JERSEY’S FULL DISCOVERY MANDATE: A LESSON FOR OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND THE NEED FOR FURTHER JUVENILE LAW REFORM
Author: Gianna DeLizza
This note considers the recent decision of the New Jersey Supreme Court in In re N.H. that requires the prosecution to provide full discovery to juveniles prior to a waiver hearing, ensuring that the best interests of juvenile offenders are protected. The author proposes that the mandate helps to prevent some of the racial and geographical impacts of not providing full discovery, and discusses the ethical implications of these issues. A brief overview of the juvenile court system, as well as U.S. Supreme Court and New Jersey case law is provided. Next the significance of In re N.H. decision is discussed. Finally, the author provides support for the importance of full discovery in juvenile proceedings, and suggest additional reforms that are needed to improve the juvenile justice system at both the state and federal levels.