{"data":{"id":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-2c-3-3","jurisdiction":"us-nj","citation":"N.J. Stat. § 2C:3-3","heading":"Execution of public duty","body":"a.  Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, conduct is justifiable when it is required or authorized by:\n(1) The law defining the duties or functions of a public officer or the assistance to be rendered to such officer in the performance of his duties;\n(2) The law governing the execution of legal process;\n(3) The judgment or order of a competent court or tribunal;\n(4) The law governing the armed services or the lawful conduct of war; or\n(5) Any other provision of law imposing a public duty.\nb.  The other sections of this chapter apply to:\n(1) The use of force upon or toward the person of another for any of the purposes dealt with in such sections;  and\n(2) The use of deadly force for any purpose, unless the use of such force is  otherwise expressly authorized by law.\nc.  The justification afforded by subsection a. of this section applies:\n(1) When the actor reasonably believes his conduct to be required or authorized by the judgment or direction of a competent court or tribunal or in the lawful execution of legal process, notwithstanding lack of jurisdiction of the court or defect in the legal process;  and\n(2) When the actor reasonably believes his conduct to be required or authorized to assist a public officer in the performance of his duties, notwithstanding that the officer exceeded his legal authority.\nL.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:3-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979.","path":["TITLE 2C THE NEW JERSEY CODE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE"],"source_url":"https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/statutes/STATUTES-TEXT.zip","current_through":"P.L.2025, c.405, and J.R.22","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T17:54:13Z","sha256":"106762a697cc613210b6d4378b25d3eb0ec3719f51f15bd89155b8be16206765","source_id":"us-nj","stale":true,"prev":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-2c-3-2","next":"us-nj/n.j.-stat.-2c-3-4"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}