In a Decision – S.R. v. S.N., (an "Unreported Decision") >> the Court Held:
The Appellate Division reversed the Decision of the Trial Court in that the proceedings of the Trial Court were far off the mark of a judicial proceeding.
At the Family Part hearing, trial judge did not swear in the parties or any other person who offered facts for the court's consideration. Trial judge conducted a "free flowing exchange," The Family Part proceedings lacked all the essential attributes of a judicial proceeding, trial judge did not adjudicate the petition in a manner consistent with case law, and the decision was not supported by competent evidence.
The record shows the judge interacted with those present in the courtroom in a conversational manner; the judge did not swear in the parties or any other person who came before him and offered facts for the court's consideration. The judge also permitted the child's maternal uncle to address the court, without being sworn and despite the fact that his familial status vis-a-vis the child does not afford him a right to visitation.