New Jersey Appellate Division Holds Good Cause Standard Applies, Even with Trial Scheduled, When Discovery End Date Has Not Passed

The New Jersey Appellate Division held that the “good cause” standard of R. 4:24-1(c) applies, even when there is a trial date scheduled, so long as the discovery has not concluded and a motion to extend discovery is returnable before the discovery end date. 

The court held the scheduling of a trial date during preliminary stages of discovery, meaning before discovery has concluded, did not obviate the application of the good cause standard based on the plain language of the rules. Based on this interpretation, it was appropriate that the trial court granted a motion to extend discovery for good cause shown, pushing back the trial date in the process. 

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