Robert J. Martin is an American politician, educator, and legal scholar who dedicated over two decades to public service in New Jersey. Born on January 13, 1947, Martin pursued an extensive academic path, earning a B.A. in history from Dickinson College, an M.A. in history from Lehigh University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, an LL.M. from New York University School of Law, and an Ed.D. from Columbia University's Teachers College. Before embarking on his political career, he served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971.\n\nMartin's career in public office began at the local level in Morris Plains, New Jersey, where he served on the planning board and town council in the early 1980s. He entered state politics in 1985, winning a special election to the New Jersey General Assembly. During his tenure in the Assembly, which lasted until 1993, Martin held leadership roles including Assistant Majority Leader and Minority Whip. In 1993, he transitioned to the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 26th legislative district. As a senator, he served as Assistant Majority Leader from 1994 to 1997 and contributed to several key committees, including the Education, Judiciary, and Joint Public Schools committees. He retired from the legislature in 2008 after choosing not to seek re-election.\n\nAlongside his legislative duties, Martin maintained a prominent career in legal education. He worked as a law professor and associate dean at the Seton Hall University School of Law, where he also directed the Center for State and Local Government Law. Following his retirement from state politics, he continued his legal work, serving as counsel to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.
