6:5-2. Notice of Trial; Assignment for Trial
- (a) Notice by Clerk. Except for summary actions brought under R. 6:2-1, the clerk shall inform the parties or their attorneys of the trial date at least 30 days before trial. For good cause shown, the court may order a longer or shorter notice in any action.
- (b) Landlord and Tenant Actions. Summary actions between landlord and tenant shall be placed on a separate list on the calendar and shall be heard on the return day unless adjourned by the court, or by consent with the approval of the court. At the beginning of the calendar call and again at the end of the calendar call for latecomers, the judge presiding at the call shall provide instructions substantially conforming with the announcement contained in Appendix XI-S to these rules. Written copies of that announcement also shall be available to litigants in the courtroom. A videotape, prepared either by the Administrative Office of the Courts or by the vicinage, may be used for the second reading when the judge deems its use necessary. In those counties having a significant Spanish-speaking population, the announcement also shall be given in Spanish both orally and in writing; the oral presentation may be given by videotape or other audio-visual device or by the judge presiding at the call.
- (c) Assignment to Particular Judge; Common Issues. If common issues of law or fact are involved in 2 or more actions pending in the Special Civil Part, all such actions shall be assigned for hearing or trial to the same judge. If issues previously determined are involved in a subsequent action, such subsequent action shall be assigned for hearing or trial to the same judge who previously determined such issues unless otherwise ordered by the Assignment Judge or designee.
- (d) Avoidance of Multiple Appearances. Multiple appearances in cases that have been scheduled for trial shall be avoided and, consistent with R. 1:40-7, cases should be disposed of on the trial date by a complementary dispute resolution event, trial, dismissal, or entry of default (with a proof hearing if requested).
