A Pew Research Center report says that, for the first time in 40 years, a poll conducted last month reveals the majority of Americans favor marijuana legalization.  The number jumped 11 points since 2010, to 52 percent, with 45 percent against it. 

And, 77 percent of those polled recognize the validity of medical marijuana.  The majority was smaller in 1997, when an ABC News survey reported 58 percent believed marijuana has legitimate medical uses.  

Pew released its report today, noting its researchers polled 1,501 adults between March 13-17.  Public opinion has changed dramatically since 1969, when a Gallup study found only 12 percent were in favor. 

How would an escalator fit into a small, mostly flat, open-air courtyard outside Burlington County's courthouse?  Without official answers, one can only speculate about the inclusion of an  "escalator" in a planned $4.8 million renovation project.     

Would it actually be a people-mover, which is also known as a flat escalator?  There are only a few short staircases - each with only a handful or less steps - in the courtyard between the courthouse and the county administration building in Mount Holly.  Which stairs would the escalate replace?       

When county officials were asked about its length and the number of steps the proposed escalator would hold, an emailed reply was all that was offered: "It will be about 30' long," the county's spokeswoman said.  No answer was given as to the number of steps.  It's cost?  "It is too early in the project to have a cost breakdown," came another reply.  

A woman who has served in all three branches of state government, rising to prominent positions in each role, will join the Burlington County Bench next week.

Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford will be sworn in next week as a Superior Court judge and assigned to the 15-member bench in Mount Holly. 

Ford, a Democrat, previously served as a Superior Court judge in Ocean County between 1992 and 2007, becoming the presiding judge over the Family Division.  In 2007, she was appointed county prosecutor by Gov. Corzine. 

A New Jersey appeals panel has upheld a 2011 court ruling that said a developer filed a frivolous lawsuit against four homeowners and their lawyer.   

Joseph Samost, a prominent South Jersey builder, had claimed four owners and their attorney, Gregory Voorhees, defamed him after he lost a court battle over who should pay to repair the storm-damaged Kenilworth Dam in Evesham. 

Samost had argued that he didn't have the $250,000 needed to fix the dam, but the now-retired Superior Court Judge Michael Hogan said he didn't believe him and ordered him to deposit the money with the court.  Hogan found Samost "had been manipulating his assets through interlocking entities of which he was 'true' owner to avoid" paying for the repairs, according to an 18-page decision filed by the appeals panel.   

After Hurricane Sandy hit last fall, thousands of flood-damaged vehicles were hauled to a field in Mansfield Township to be stored until they could be re-sold.  Now, it looks like they'll all be gone by the end of this month.  

Who knew there would be so many eager buyers?

A representative of Copart USA, a company that auctions salvaged vehicles online, told Mansfield officials that among the 3,500 vehicles were Ferraris and other luxury cars with minimal damage.  A car mechanic's dream?  No word yet on what they went for and if any of them actually run.

A regional transportation report names Route 130 as one of the most dangerous for pedestrians in New Jersey.  Last year alone, there were five fatalities on that highway, a six-lane ribbon that carries motorists past endless strip malls, motels and gas stations.  

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign report says most of the fatalities - 14 since 2009 - occurred on a stretch between Delran and Burlington Township.  The road is also known as the Burlington Pike. 

The report suggests more sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and timed signals for walkers to reduce hazards.

Most of the 3,500 vehicles that suddenly appeared at an industrial site in rural Mansfield Township after Hurricane Sandy struck last fall have aready been sold, the township's zoning officer says. 

Last month, Robin Bucchi cited Vanco Trailer Manufacturing for creating an eyesore and for accepting an influx of ruined cars, trucks and boats without getting local approvals. 

Vanco had leased part of its truck manufacturing site to Copart, a national agency that auctions vehicles  online.  Bucchi ordered all of the vehicles removed immediately or face increasing fines of $500 a day. 

Ed Forchion, who calls himself NJ Weedman, got a break when a judge sentenced him last month to probation for having a pound of marijuana.  He could have gotten 18 months.  A prosecutor pushed for one year, noting Forchion had priors. 

The marijuana activist wasn't thrilled.  He wanted his sentence stayed until he could file an appeal.  He believed he would be vindicated because he is a licensed medical marijuana user in California.  New Jersey, however, doesn't recognize out-of-state licenses.   

The judge said 'no' and Forchion decided to skip probation. 

Towns may ban billboards for aesthetic or safety reasons, a Third Circuit Court has decided.  But the existing ones may stay, if they have already been approved.

The ruling, issued this week, could slow down the growth of new electronic signs along the highway.   

The court dismissed an appeal filed by an advertiser who argued that a ban would infringe on free speech.