New Jersey legal term
Material element of an offense in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Material element of an offense” 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 “Material element of an offense” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Material element of an offense" means an element that does not relate exclusively to the statute of limitations, jurisdiction, venue or to any other matter similarly unconnected with (1) the harm or evil, incident to conduct, sought to be prevented by the law defining the offense, or (2) the existence of a justification or excuse for such conduct; j. (N.J.S.A. 2C:1-14)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.