New Jersey legal term
Emotional distress in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Emotional distress” 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 “Emotional distress” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress. (4) "Cause a reasonable person to fear" means to cause fear which a reasonable victim, similarly situated, would have under the circumstances. b. (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.