Opinion
Argued November 12, 1957 —
Decided December 9, 1957.
Appeal from the Superior Court, Appellate Division.
Mr. Harry Weltchek argued the cause for the appellants ( Messrs. Weltchek Weltchek, attorneys; Mr. Ernest Prupis on the brief).
Mr. David C. Thompson argued the cause for the respondent ( Mr. Grover C. Richman, Jr., Attorney-General, attorney).
Messrs. Milmed Rosen, Mr. Samuel L. Hirschberg, Mr. Robert F. McAlevy, Jr., Mr. Ezra L. Nolan and Mr. Nicholas S. Schloeder filed a brief amici curiae on behalf of various municipalities.
These proceedings raised the sole question whether the statute was duly passed by the Legislature or otherwise made effective by law in the manner required by the Constitution. The essential premise of the appellants' attack is that the act was a special law within Art. IV, Sec. VII, par. 10 of the Constitution. We agree with the Appellate Division that the nomenclature adopted by the Legislature is not conclusive or decisive, and that the operative provisions of the act bring it within the category of a general law. It is not disputed that the mechanics of enactment pertinent to general laws were fully met. These views conclude the judicial inquiry permitted under N.J.S.A. 1:7-1 and 4, and hence dispose of the present litigation. For these reasons, the judgment of the Appellate Division is affirmed.
For affirmance — Chief Justice WEINTRAUB, and Justices HEHER, WACHENFELD, BURLING, FRANCIS and PROCTOR — 6.
For reversal — None.