New Jersey legal term
Mental disorder in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Mental disorder” 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 “Mental disorder” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Mental disorder" means a serious mental disorder, other than a personality disorder, classified within the current version of the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including, but not limited to, psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-occurring substance use disorders. "Presumptively ineligible offense" means a crime of second degree, a crime of the third or fourth degree that involves violence or the threat of violence, an offense enumerated in subsection a., (N.J.S.A. 2C:43-33)
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.