arbitrary and capricious standard (New Jersey) · Go Syfert
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arbitrary and capricious standard in New Jersey

35 New Jersey opinions name it 2 courts 1992–2026 19 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Jersey courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (18)

CaseFollowedCited
In re Stallworthgreen
nj · 2011 · cited in 5 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2017–2025
2 sentences

2025Super. 1, 21-22 (App. Div. 2018); see also In re Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

2024In re Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011) (quoting In re Carter, 191 N.J. 474, 482-83 (2007)).

45
In re Weilgreen
nj · 2016 · cited in 4 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2021
2 sentences

2021State Parole Bd., 224 N.J. 213, 222-23 (2016).

2020State Parole Bd., 224 N.J. 213, 222-23 (2016) ("Judicial review of the Parole Board's decisions is guided by the arbitrary and capricious standard that constrains other administrative action.").

44
Russo v. BD. OF TRUSTEES, POLICE.green
nj · 2011 · cited in 4 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2024–2026
2 sentences

2026Sys., 206 N.J. 14 , A-2838-23 12 27 (2011)). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

2026Sys., 206 N.J. 14, 27 (2011)). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

34
Karins v. City of Atlantic Citygreen
nj · 1998 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2025
2 sentences

2025Super. 250 , 260–61 (App. Div. 2014) (citing Karins v. City of Atlantic City, 152 N.J. 532, 540 (1998)). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

2020City, 152 N.J. 532, 540 (1998) (quoting George Harms Constr.

22
In Re Cartergreen
nj · 2007 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2024
2 sentences

2024In re Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011) (quoting In re Carter, 191 N.J. 474, 482-83 (2007)).

2020In re Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011) (quoting In Re Carter, 191 N.J. 474, 482-83 (2007)).

22
In Re Herrmanngreen
nj · 2007 · cited in 3 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2021–2024
2 sentences

2024Under the arbitrary-and-capricious standard, we discern no basis to reverse the GRC's findings and determination as there is no "clear showing that it is arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or that it lacks fair support in the record," In re Herrmann, 192 N.J. at 27-28 .

2021In re Herrmann, 192 N.J. 19, 27 (2007). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

13
In Re Parole Application of Hawleygreen
nj · 1984 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2016–2017
2 sentences

2017Our "review of the Parole Board's decisions is guided by the arbitrary and capricious standard that constrains other administrative action." Id. at 222-23 (citing Hawley, supra, 98 N.J. at 112-13 ).

2017Our "review of the Parole Board's decisions is guided by the arbitrary and capricious standard that constrains other administrative action." Id. at 222-23 (citing Hawley, supra, 98 N.J. at 112-13 ).

12
Judith A. Dinapoli v. Board of Education of the Township Of verona, Essex Countygreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2014 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Thus, we reverse an agency's decision "only if we conclude that the decision . . . is arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable, or is not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole." DiNapoli v. Bd. of Educ. of Twp. of Verona, 434 N.J.

11
State v. Bendergreen
nj · 1979 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025That judicial review protects defendants against prosecutorial abuse of discretion in the application of enhanced sentencing.” Id. at 175 (citation omitted); see also State v. Bender, 80 N.J. 84, 93 (1979) (“Ordinarily, an abuse of discretion will be manifest if defendant can show that a prosecutorial veto (a) was not premised upon a consideration of all relevant factors, (b) was based upon a consideration of irrelevant or inappropriate factors, or (c) amounted to a clear error in judgment.”).

11
Davidow v. Bd. of Adj. Tp. of South Brunswickgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 1973 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
2 sentences

2025Davidow A-2915-22 14 v. Bd. of Adjustment, 123 N.J.

2025Davidow, 123 N.J.

11
State v. Kirkgreen
nj · 1996 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025That judicial review protects defendants against prosecutorial abuse of discretion in the application of enhanced sentencing.” Id. at 175 (citation omitted); see also State v. Bender, 80 N.J. 84, 93 (1979) (“Ordinarily, an abuse of discretion will be manifest if defendant can show that a prosecutorial veto (a) was not premised upon a consideration of all relevant factors, (b) was based upon a consideration of irrelevant or inappropriate factors, or (c) amounted to a clear error in judgment.”).

11
Robert Lavezzi v. State of N.J. (072856)green
nj · 2014 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025An appellate court accords "a 'strong presumption of reasonableness' to an administrative agency's exercise of its statutorily delegated responsibilities." Id. at 13 (quoting Lavezzi v. State, 219 N.J. 163, 171 (2014)). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard ," Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

11
Circus Liquors, Inc. v. Governing Body of Middletown Townshipgreen
nj · 2009 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Circus Liquors, Inc. v. Governing Body of Middletown Twp., 199 N.J. 1, 9 (2009). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

11
In re Yuchtgreen
nj · 2018 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Emps.' Health Benefits Comm'ns' Implementation of Yucht, 233 N.J. 267, 280 (2018) (describing the arbitrary-and-capricious standard as a determination of whether the decision under review "conforms with relevant law," is supported by "substantial credible evidence," and is not "clearly" erroneous).

11
Rocky Hill Citizens v. Planning Bd. of Borough of Rocky Hillgreen
njsuperctappdiv · 2009 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
1 sentence

2021Bd., 406 N.J.

11
Campbell v. Department of Civil Servicegreen
nj · 1963 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
2 sentences

2019In re Stallworth , 208 N.J. 182 , 194, 26 A.3d 1059 (2011) ("In order to reverse an agency's judgment, an appellate court must find the agency's decision to be 'arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or [ ] not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole.' " (alteration in original) (quoting Henry v. Rahway State Prison , 81 N.J. 571 , 579-80, 410 A.2d 686 (1980) ) ); Campbell v. Dep't of Civil Serv. , 39 N.J. 556 , 562, 189 A.2d 712 (1963) ("[W]e will not upset a determination by the Commission in the absence of a showing that it was arbitrary, capricious or unreasona

2019In re Stallworth , 208 N.J. 182 , 194, 26 A.3d 1059 (2011) ("In order to reverse an agency's judgment, an appellate court must find the agency's decision to be 'arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or [ ] not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole.' " (alteration in original) (quoting Henry v. Rahway State Prison , 81 N.J. 571 , 579-80, 410 A.2d 686 (1980) ) ); Campbell v. Dep't of Civil Serv. , 39 N.J. 556 , 562, 189 A.2d 712 (1963) ("[W]e will not upset a determination by the Commission in the absence of a showing that it was arbitrary, capricious or unreasona

11
515 ASSOCIATES v. City of Newarkgreen
nj · 1993 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
2 sentences

1994See 515 Assocs. v. City of Newark, 132 N.J. 180, 185-86 , 623 A. 2d 1366 (1993).

1994See 515 Assocs. v. City of Newark, 132 N.J. 180, 185-86 , 623 A. 2d 1366 (1993).

11
Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruchgreen
scotus · 1989 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
2 sentences

1992In Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 108-109 , 109 S.Ct. 948, 953 , 103 L.Ed. 2d 80, 91 (1989), the Supreme Court clarified "the appropriate standard of review in § 1132(a)(1)(B) actions challenging denials of benefits based on plan interpretations," explaining that the federal courts had adopted the arbitrary and capricious standard developed under the Labor Management Relations Act, 29 U.S.C.A. § 186 (c).

1992In Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 108-109 , 109 S.Ct. 948, 953 , 103 L.Ed. 2d 80, 91 (1989), the Supreme Court clarified "the appropriate standard of review in § 1132(a)(1)(B) actions challenging denials of benefits based on plan interpretations," explaining that the federal courts had adopted the arbitrary and capricious standard developed under the Labor Management Relations Act, 29 U.S.C.A. § 186 (c).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New Jersey. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (10)

CaseCitedYears
Henry v. Rahway State Prison green
nj · 1980
2 sentences

2019In re Stallworth , 208 N.J. 182 , 194, 26 A.3d 1059 (2011) ("In order to reverse an agency's judgment, an appellate court must find the agency's decision to be 'arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or [ ] not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole.' " (alteration in original) (quoting Henry v. Rahway State Prison , 81 N.J. 571 , 579-80, 410 A.2d 686 (1980) ) ); Campbell v. Dep't of Civil Serv. , 39 N.J. 556 , 562, 189 A.2d 712 (1963) ("[W]e will not upset a determination by the Commission in the absence of a showing that it was arbitrary, capricious or unreasona

2019In re Stallworth , 208 N.J. 182 , 194, 26 A.3d 1059 (2011) ("In order to reverse an agency's judgment, an appellate court must find the agency's decision to be 'arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, or [ ] not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole.' " (alteration in original) (quoting Henry v. Rahway State Prison , 81 N.J. 571 , 579-80, 410 A.2d 686 (1980) ) ); Campbell v. Dep't of Civil Serv. , 39 N.J. 556 , 562, 189 A.2d 712 (1963) ("[W]e will not upset a determination by the Commission in the absence of a showing that it was arbitrary, capricious or unreasona

22017–2019
Cell South of NJ, Inc. v. ZONING BD. OF ADJUSTMENT OF WEST WINDSOR TWP. green
nj · 2002
2 sentences

2009Cell South v. Zoning Bd. of Adj., 172 N.J. 75, 89 , 796 A. 2d 247 (2002).

2009Cell South v. Zoning Bd. of Adj., 172 N.J. 75, 89 , 796 A. 2d 247 (2002).

22009–2009
Allstars Auto Grp., Inc. v. N.J. Motor Vehicle Comm'n green
nj · 2018
1 sentence

2025"We review agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard." Ibid. (citing Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

12025–2025
Robin B. Wojtkowiak v. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and New Jersey Division on Civil Rights green
njsuperctappdiv · 2015
1 sentence

2025An appellate court accords "a 'strong presumption of reasonableness' to an administrative agency's exercise of its statutorily delegated responsibilities." Id. at 13 (quoting Lavezzi v. State, 219 N.J. 163, 171 (2014)). "[A]n appellate court reviews agency decisions under an arbitrary and capricious standard ," Zimmerman v. Sussex Cnty.

12025–2025
In Re Parole Application of Trantino green
nj · 1982
1 sentence

2017The Board's decision regarding 3 In Re Trantino Parole Application, 89 N.J. 347 (1982). 5 A-4181-14T4 parole will not be disturbed unless it is "arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable, or . . . not supported by substantial credible evidence in the record as a whole." In re Stallworth, 208 N.J. 182, 194 (2011) (quoting Henry, supra, 81 N.J. at 579 ).

12017–2017
Foxx v. My Vintage Baby, Inc. green
scotus · 2016
1 sentence

2017Our "review of the Parole Board's decisions is guided by the arbitrary and capricious standard that constrains other administrative action." Id. at 222-23 (citing Hawley, supra, 98 N.J. at 112-13 ).

12017–2017
New Jersey Dep't of Envtl. Prot. v. Atlantic Richfield Co. green
· 2014
2 sentences

2015Federal trustee decisions that are reviewed under the arbitrary and capricious standard include (1) estimation of total damages, In re MTBE , 33 F.Supp.3d at 265 ; (2) the chosen measure of comparative fault and apportionment of liability, Cannons , 899 F.2d at 87 ; and (3) the chosen method of determining the total projected costs to be paid by each settler.

2015Federal trustee decisions that are reviewed under the arbitrary and capricious standard include (1) estimation of total damages, In re MTBE , 33 F.Supp.3d at 265 ; (2) the chosen measure of comparative fault and apportionment of liability, Cannons , 899 F.2d at 87 ; and (3) the chosen method of determining the total projected costs to be paid by each settler.

12015–2015
State Ex Rel. Rc green
njsuperctappdiv · 2002
2 sentences

2012In R.C., the Appellate Division acknowledged that two standards of review could apply: (1) the arbitrary and capricious standard used when reviewing various discretionary sentencing decisions by a prosecutor; or (2) the patent and gross abuse of discretion standard that governs “a prosecutor’s refusal to consent to a defendant’s admission into PTI.” Id. at 259 , 798 A.2d 111 (citations omitted).

2012In R.C., the Appellate Division acknowledged that two standards of review could apply: (1) the arbitrary and capricious standard used when reviewing various discretionary sentencing decisions by a prosecutor; or (2) the patent and gross abuse of discretion standard that governs “a prosecutor’s refusal to consent to a defendant’s admission into PTI.” Id. at 259 , 798 A.2d 111 (citations omitted).

12012–2012
George Harms Construction Co. v. New Jersey Turnpike Authority green
nj · 1994
2 sentences

1998Co. v. New Jersey Turnpike Auth., 137 N.J. 8, 27 , 644 A.2d 76 (1994) (citations omitted).] The City argues that in this disciplinary case Karins’s utterance is not protected under either the Federal or State Constitution, and therefore the decision of the Merit System Board was arbitrary and capricious.

1998Co. v. New Jersey Turnpike Auth., 137 N.J. 8, 27 , 644 A.2d 76 (1994) (citations omitted).] The City argues that in this disciplinary case Karins’s utterance is not protected under either the Federal or State Constitution, and therefore the decision of the Merit System Board was arbitrary and capricious.

11998–1998
State v. Lagares green
nj · 1992
2 sentences

1996Lagares, supra, 127 N.J. at 33 , 601 A.2d 698 .

1996Lagares, supra, 127 N.J. at 33 , 601 A.2d 698 .

11996–1996

Where else courts name it

NY 154 (1973–2026) WA 95 (1976–2026) WY 90 (1989–2024) LA 51 (1987–2026) MS 35 (1991–2024) TX 35 (1990–2025) NJ 35 (1992–2026) CA 34 (1977–2026) AL 25 (2000–2026) MD 25 (1980–2024) MA 19 (1977–2023) IN 18 (1987–2019) KS 17 (1984–2020) RI 17 (2002–2019) IL 16 (1978–2020) WV 14 (1995–2025) MN 13 (1986–2019) MT 11 (1989–2025) WI 10 (1977–2015) MI 9 (1984–2026) AK 8 (1990–1997) UT 8 (1983–2024) HI 8 (2014–2021) TN 7 (2002–2022) NC 6 (1989–2004) NV 6 (2017–2020) NM 6 (1992–2025) FL 5 (1981–2010) CO 4 (1994–1996) DE 3 (1995–2021) VA 3 (1982–2001) PA 3 (1999–2026) OK 3 (2003–2018) AR 2 (1993–2025) OR 2 (2023–2023) OH 2 (1989–1999) VT 2 (2019–2021) SC 2 (1996–2021) ME 2 (1989–2005) ND 2 (2018–2018) KY 2 (1987–1992)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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