New Municipal Judge Sworn In for Bayonne Court

Christopher Patella was sworn in as a Bayonne Municipal Court Judge on November 3, returning to a role he previously held from 1987 to 1989. The oath was administered by Hudson County Presiding Judge David Katz, who noted that Bayonne has one of the ten busiest municipal courts in New Jersey.

Mayor Jimmy Davis called the occasion “a great day for Bayonne.” In his remarks, Judge Patella reflected on his upbringing in Bayonne, recalling his time as a student at St. Henry’s School in the 1960s, located across the street from City Hall. “It was a very long journey to go 100 yards,” he said, calling his judicial service “a privilege.”

Judge Patella emphasized the significance of municipal courts, stating that 86 percent of people who interact with the court system do so at this level. He said people have a right to “a fair, courteous, respectful judge.”

Drawing on his background in criminal defense, Judge Patella addressed the role of mental health in the court system and suggested that Bayonne should consider adopting a mental health court similar to Jersey City’s. He also recommended mediation for resolving family-related disputes. “Punishment does not resolve problems,” he said, adding, “if there is punishment, temper it with kindness.”

He also spoke about community responsibility, recalling how his mother volunteered at his school and how his father, a Teamsters’ Union member, managed union mediations and arbitrations.

Judge Patella said he was inspired to pursue law following the 1970 killing of students at Kent State University during an anti-war protest. He closed by saying, “I will not wear a badge. I will wear a heart.”