Criminal Justice
Newly released records in Elizabeth probe offer peek into toxic culture of policing
The report stems from an investigation by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office into former Elizabeth Police Director James Cosgrove.
New report on firearms in N.J. homes raises safe-storage concerns
Some N.J. gun owners said they store their weapons unlocked, loaded, or in their cars, while about 8% of gun owners said they always or almost always carry guns outside their home, a new Rutgers University survey found.
N.J. to spend $6.5M to aid shooting responses by digitizing school maps
The federal funding will help New Jersey digitize blueprints of half of the state's 3,100 school buildings (the state has already done half).
Push to restore jury eligibility for people with criminal convictions gains steam
New Jersey is one of just four states that permanently bars anyone with convictions for any felony and some misdemeanors from serving on juries.
Reformers push for Megan’s Law changes for juvenile offenders
Most of the people listed on New Jersey’s sex offender registry are there for crimes too terrible to imagine. They’ve molested preschoolers or even babies, made and traded child pornography, raped victims at knifepoint. Many are considered repetitive, compulsive offenders, so likely to reoffend that the state warns the public about them. Then there’s J. […]
Juries mulling child assault cases must be told corporal punishment is legal, court rules
In New Jersey, physical punishment such as spanking and slapping is forbidden in schools but allowed in homes, as long as it’s not so severe it leaves bruises, marks, or injuries.
Incarcerating parents punishes families, watchdog group warns
Prison Policy Initiative found that 1.25 million children nationally have an incarcerated parent, increasing their negative outcomes.
Judges revive civil rights case against Linden officials, state Senate president
A woman claims multiple Linden officials and others violated her civil rights over a 2007 harassment claim.
After six months in limbo, attorney general nomination advances to full Senate
Matt Platkin's confirmation as attorney general has been delayed because two key senators did not immediately sign off on his appointment.
With car thefts still on the rise, lawmakers propose new penalties
Two state senators are introducing legislation they say will address what authorities characterize as an alarming rise in car thefts by stiffening penalties for ringleaders who recruit minors to steal cars and imposing new consequences for repeat offenders. “We may not get you tomorrow, damn it. But we’re coming for you,” said state Sen. Richard […]
N.J. Supreme Court clarifies when inmates can win compassionate release
The case is the first test of a 2021 law intended to broaden the number of people eligible to be released from prison because of physical incapacity.
Cannabis commission slow to implement workplace rules, the sale of edibles
The state's cannabis commission is dragging its feet on some important decisions, business leaders and cannabis advocates say.