Walter P. Coons, Plaintiff-Petitioner v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc., a Corporation, Defendants, and…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that the decision in Coons I, which struck down N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22 as an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce, applies prospectively only from August 3, 1983. The Court based its ruling on an equitable retroactivity analysis drawing from Chevron and related precedent, emphasizing reliance interests and fairness. The case was remanded for further proceedings consistent with the prospective application. Justice Garibaldi dissented, arguing for full retroactive effect.