Submitted by New Jersey Sex Crime Attorney, Jeffrey Hark This blog is the last of three blogs discussing State v. Cawley, a case concerning a gruesome rape of a young woman. In previous blogs we have discussed rights to counsel, hearsay exceptions, and the fresh complaint doctrine. Today we move to sentencing. Sentencing in State…
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New Jersey Survivors Justice Act: Sentencing Reform for Abuse Victims
Submitted by New Jersey Criminal Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark In January 2026, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a pair of bills known as the Survivors Justice Act (S-4870/A-5968 and S-4871/A-5969). This landmark legislation, championed by Senator Angela V. McKnight, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, and other lawmakers, amends the state’s criminal code to allow courts…