In a Decision – S.T.T. v. M.T.M., (A “Reported Decision") >> the Court Held:
The Appellate Division reversed the Trial Court decision (finding Husband not credible based upon a previous court appearance claim of medical emergency.
A Domestic Violence trial occurred. Based upon credibility determinations and the trial court’s reference to a supposed claim of medical emergency at a previous hearing, the Trial Court determined Defendant not to be credible.
The Appellate Division determined that the Trial Court erred in its credibility determinations because it relied on information and events outside the trial record. Trial court focused on defendant's purported medical emergency at the previous proceedings, there was no testimony or evidence concerning the emergency during the Domestic Violence trial but trial court relied on the claimed emergency to support its credibility findings.