In the Matter of Lee Ann Grady

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey vacated the Superior Court's authorization of sterilization for Lee Ann Grady and remanded for further proceedings applying a newly articulated best‑interests standard that requires clear and convincing evidence on a set of factors. The Court held that the applicable statutes did not govern the case, that its inherent parens patriae jurisdiction permits such orders, and that the trial court's findings did not meet the stricter standard. Justice Handler filed a concurring opinion expressing disagreement with the majority's characterization of the necessity requirement.