New Jersey § 2c:17-2
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2c:17-2, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2c:17-2.
Causing or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage. a. (1) A person who, purposely or knowingly, unlawfully causes an explosion, flood,
avalanche, collapse of a building, release or abandonment of poison gas, radioactive
material or any other harmful or destructive substance commits a crime of the second
degree. A person who, purposely or knowingly, unlawfully causes widespread injury or damage
in any manner commits a crime of the second degree. (2) A person who, purposely or knowingly, unlawfully causes a hazardous discharge
required to be reported pursuant to the “Spill Compensation and Control Act,” P.L.1976,
c. 141 ( C.58:10-23.11 et seq. ) or any rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, or who, purposely or knowingly,
unlawfully causes a release or abandonment of hazardous waste as defined in section
1 of P.L.1976, c. 99 ( C.13:1E-38 ) or a toxic pollutant as defined in section 3 of P.L.1977, c. 74 ( C.58:10A-3 ) commits a crime of the second degree. Any person who recklessly violates the provisions of this paragraph is guilty of
a crime of the third degree. b. A person who recklessly causes widespread injury or damage is guilty of a crime
of the third degree. c. A person who recklessly creates a risk of widespread injury or damage commits a
crime of the fourth degree, even if no such injury or damage occurs. A violation of this subsection is a crime of the third degree if the risk of widespread
injury or damage results from the reckless handling or storage of hazardous materials. A violation of this subsection is a crime of the second degree if the handling or
storage of hazardous materials violated any law, rule or regulation intended to protect
the public health and safety. d. A person who knowingly or recklessly fails to take reasonable measures to prevent
or mitigate widespread injury or damage commits a crime of the fourth degree, if: (1) He knows that he is under an official, contractual or other legal duty to take
such measures; or (2) He did or assented to the act causing or threatening the injury or damage. e. For purposes of this section, widespread injury or damage means serious bodily
injury to five or more people or damage to five or more habitations or to a building which would normally have contained 25 or more persons at the time of the offense.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2c:17-2
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2c:17-2 cover?
Section 2c:17-2 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 2c:17-2?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2c:17-2" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 2c:17-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.