N.J. Stat. § 59:9-1 : — CLAIMS AGAINST PUBLIC ENTITIESMANNER OF TRIAL —1 - Manner of trial TEXT PDF Tort claims under this act shall be heard by a judge sitting without a jury or a judge and jury where appropriate demand therefor is made in accordance with the rules governing the courts of the State of New Jersey. N.J.S. § 59:9-1 L.1972, c.45, s.59:9-1; amended by L.1975, c.3, s.1.