S 2144 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Eliminates immunity for State, county, and municipal prosecutors who fail to disclose exculpatory evidence in criminal cases.

This bill eliminates legal immunity for New Jersey prosecutors who fail to disclose evidence that could prove a defendant's innocence (exculpatory evidence) in criminal cases. It directly affects state, county, and municipal prosecutors, as well as their agencies, by making them personally liable for violations of evidence disclosure rules established under federal court rulings (Brady v. Maryland and Giglio v. United States). Key provisions require courts to notify ethics officials within 24 hours of a disclosure violation and allow victims to sue for damages, attorney fees, and other relief. The bill removes blanket immunity for such failures, holding prosecutors and their agencies accountable under civil law. It does not change the standard for evidence disclosure but ensures consequences when prosecutors ignore existing rules.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jan 9, 2024
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Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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