This Law Firm Publication by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. discusses a new ordinance passed by the city of Newark, New Jersey, which places limits on employers' use of criminal background checks. Among other things, the law:Prohibits criminal history checks of an applicant before a conditional offer of employment.Bars employers from checking an applicant's criminal history unless the employer has made a good faith determination that the position is sensitive enough to require it.Requires written consent prior to conducting a criminal history check.Allows individuals to contest the accuracy and relevance of a check following an adverse employment decision.The law, which applies to employers with five or more employees in Newark, takes effect on November 18, 2012.