Criminal Laws

What should happen to a prosecutor who makes such a serious mistake that a conviction is thrown out? What if that mistake was made in a case as serious as murder or sexual assault, potentially leaving the possibly-guilty defendant to walk free? One would think that prosecutors would face serious repercussions for such weighty mistakes. However, one would be wrong. [Read more…] about ACLU Report Questions NJ Prosecutors’ Accountability

Starting over after a prison stint is hard enough. But when your prison photo and rap sheet can be found online by anyone with Internet access, it can be even more difficult. The New Jersey Department of Corrections had maintained a database where you could find a photo and crime of any inmate, past or present. Now, that’s set to change. [Read more…] about NJ Department of Corrections Takes Down Photos of Past Inmates: Encourages Fresh Start

In a case that’s held the city of Hackensack rapt for over two years, still-current Police Chief Ken Zisa was found guilty of official misconduct and insurance fraud this week. The report out of NorthJersey.com reads like one out of a city in turmoil, with allegations of conspiracy and bribery of and by city officials. [Read more…] about Hackensack Police Chief Convicted of Official Misconduct, Insurance Fraud

The cities of Camden and Newark were forced to lay off more than 160 police officers each last year. Since then, arrest numbers have fallen and violent crime has risen. Camden Police Chief Scott Thomson, and others, blames the layoffs for the changes, but as the Star-Ledger reports, this blame may be misdirected. [Read more…] about Officials’ Misdirected Blame on Police Layoffs for Crime

Five cities in New Jersey have seen major police layoffs in the past year and this drop in patrolling officers has already led to fewer arrests as the departments must re-prioritize. Citizens claim they already see the effects, with some low-level criminals being more brazen in their activities. [Read more…] about Citizens See Increased in NJ Crime With Police Layoffs

This year, New Jersey has a much-discussed new law that is considered the nation’s toughest anti-bullying statute. Adopted following the suicide of Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi. [Read more…] about New Jersey’s New Anti-Bullying Law Toughest in the Nation