New Jersey § 2a:32-2
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2a:32-2, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2a:32-2.
a. Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, a participant, other than a leader,
in a pyramid promotional scheme, may declare the related sale or contract for sale
void and, unless the defendant made available to the participant an inventory repurchase
program as set forth in subsection b. of this section, may bring an action in a court
of competent jurisdiction to recover the consideration the participant paid to participate
in the scheme or course of conduct. In any action the court shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff,
require the defendant to pay interest, reasonable attorneys' fees, and costs. b. To qualify as an inventory repurchase program for the purposes of subsection a.
of this section, there shall be an enforceable agreement by the business enterprise
to repurchase all unencumbered products that are in commercially resalable condition
at a price not less than 90 percent of the amount actually paid by the participant
for the products being returned, less any reasonable consideration as may have been
received by the participant for the purchase of the products being returned. In the case of consumable or durable goods, a product is in commercially resalable
condition if it is unopened, unused, and within its commercially reasonable use or
shelf-life period. A product that is no longer marketed by the business enterprise because it is a
discontinued, seasonal, or special promotional item shall be considered commercially
resalable, unless before the participant purchased the product it was clearly disclosed
to the participant and the participant acknowledged in writing that the product was
sold as a discontinued, seasonal, or special promotional item and would not be returnable. In the case of service products and intangible property, including Internet websites,
the unexpired portion of any contract or agreement shall be deemed commercially resalable,
and the repurchase of any service products shall be on a pro rata basis. Additionally, there shall be a clear description of the inventory repurchase program
in any recruiting literature or sales manual provided to participants prior to their
entry into the scheme or course of conduct, and the details of the inventory repurchase
program, including the manner in which the repurchase is exercised, shall be memorialized
in the contract that obligated participation in the scheme or course of conduct. c. Nothing in subsection a. of this section shall be construed to define any scheme
or course of conduct as a pyramid promotional scheme based solely upon the fact that
participants in the scheme or operation give consideration in return for the right
to receive compensation based upon purchases of goods, services, or intangible property
by participants for personal use, consumption, or resale. d. (1) The provisions of subsection a. of this section shall not be waived or modified
by contract or agreement. Any effort to waive or modify the remedy established by subsection a. of this section
through a contract for indemnification or otherwise, that is executed or renewed after
the date of enactment of this act, shall be void. (2) The rights and remedies provided under this section are independent of and supplemental
to any other right or remedy for any violation or conduct provided for in any other
law, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to diminish or to abrogate any
such right or remedy. e. As used in this section: “ Compensation ” means payment of any money, thing of value, or financial benefit. “ Consideration ” means the payment of cash or the purchase of goods, services, or intangible property,
but does not include the purchase of goods or services furnished at cost to be used
in making sales and not for resale, or the time and effort spent in pursuit of sales
or recruiting activities. “ Financier ” means a person who, with the intent to derive a profit, provides money or credit
or other thing of value in order to finance the operations of a scheme or course of
conduct. “ Inventory ” includes both goods and services, including but not limited to promotional materials,
sales aids, and sales kits produced by or on behalf of the scheme or those engaged
in the course of conduct that are offered to participants for purchase by the scheme
or those engaged in the course of conduct. “ Leader ” is a person who conspires with any other person as an organizer, supervisor, financier,
or manager. “ Pyramid promotional scheme ” is any scheme or course of conduct by which a person gives consideration for the
opportunity to receive compensation that is derived primarily from a person's introduction
of another person to participate in the scheme or course of conduct rather than from
the sale of a product by a person introduced into the scheme or course of conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2a:32-2
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2a:32-2 cover?
Section 2a:32-2 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 § 2a:32-2?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2a:32-2" (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 § 2a:32-2 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.