Rule 1:32-2. Books and Records

(a) Recordkeeping by Clerk. The clerks of all courts shall keep such books and records and may microfilm or electronically retain or destroy the same as the Administrative Director of the Courts with the approval of the Chief Justice may prescribe.

(b) Municipal Court Books and Records. Judges or presiding judges of the municipal court shall be responsible for the keeping of such prescribed books and records for the municipal courts.

(c) Retention Schedules and Purging Lists. Retention schedules identifying the length of time court records must be kept prior to destruction and purging lists identifying documents to be removed from case files before storage or replication shall be adopted by administrative directive. For purpose of this rule, "purging" means the removal and destruction of documents in the case file which have no legal, administrative or historical value.

(d) Reproduction of Original as Evidence. In the event of any destruction or other disposition of court records pursuant to this rule, the photographic or electronic reproduction or image of the original or a certified copy of same shall be receivable in evidence in any court or proceeding and shall have the same force and effect as though the original public record had been there produced and proved.