In Re Petition of Woodrow Hall by and Through His Guardian Ad Litem, Sandra Hall

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that Rule 4:11-1 is not intended to permit pre‑suit depositions solely to satisfy the Affidavit of Merit Statute, though it may be used in exceptional cases, and vacated the lower court's stay of the order requiring plaintiffs to file affidavits of merit. The decision emphasizes the limited purpose of pre‑suit depositions and directs the Civil Practice Committee to consider amendments to the rules.