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New Jersey legal term

Computer contaminant in New Jersey Criminal Law

Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session

In New Jersey criminal law, “Computer contaminant” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.

What does “Computer contaminant” mean in New Jersey criminal law?

"Computer contaminant" means any set of computer instructions that are designed to alter, damage, destroy, record or transmit information within a computer, computer system or computer network without the authorization of the owner of the information. (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-23)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.