2A:23A-7. Limited intermediate review

a. In exceptional circumstances, to prevent a manifest denial of justice, or when it clearly appears that a party will suffer irreparable harm or that damages may not be reasonably calculated or, if capable of calculation, that they will not be collectible, a party who is aggrieved by any intermediate ruling, except intermediate rulings made pursuant to section 6 of this act, or the failure to rule by an umpire may move before the Superior Court for an expedited summary review under procedures adopted by the Supreme Court. The alternative resolution proceeding shall not be abated, stayed or delayed by the application for an intermediate review unless the umpire or the court, in exceptional cases or circumstances, so rules. The ruling on a summary intermediate review application by the court shall thereafter govern the parties in the alternative resolution proceeding, provided, however, that this ruling may be later modified or vacated by the umpire or the court where specific facts are thereafter determined that would make the continuance of the court ruling manifestly unfair, unjust or grossly inequitable. When it appears that resort to the court to review an intermediate ruling has been abused by any party, the court may award reasonable counsel fees without regard to the ultimate outcome of the alternative resolution proceeding.

b. The signature of an attorney or party to an intermediate appeal, or in opposition thereto, constitutes a certification by him:

(1) That he has read the pleadings and all supporting papers relating to the intermediate appeal;

(2) That to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry, the appeal or opposition is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification or reversal of existing law; and

(3) That it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to cause unnecessary delay or a needless increase in the cost of litigation.

If such a pleading, application or other paper is filed in violation of this subsection, the court by summary review, upon motion by one of the parties or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the party causing the summary review, reasonable expenses, including a reasonable attorney's fee, incurred because of the filing of the pleading, application or other paper.

L. 1987, c. 54, s. 7.