A judge who dismissed a case after the plaintiff had his sole request for an adjournment denied, even though five previous defense requests for adjournments had been granted, acted within his discretion, a state appeals court ruled.

Superior Court Judge F.J. Fernandez-Vina’s decision was in line with rule changes that are designed “to establish firm and meaningful trial dates,” the Appellate Division said in Werthmann v. New Jersey Manufacturers Ins. Co., A-1444-11, on Oct. 5.