New Jersey § 2a:84a-21
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-21, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2a:84a-21.
Any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or other entity engaged on, engaged
in, connected with, or otherwise employed in gathering, procuring, transmitting, compiling,
editing, publishing, or disseminating news for the public, or on whose behalf news
is so gathered, procured, transmitted, compiled, edited, published or disseminated
shall be free from searches and seizures, by State, county and local law enforcement
officers with respect to any documentary materials obtained in the course of pursuing
the aforesaid activities whether or not such material has been or will be disseminated
or published. This section shall not restrict or impair the ability of any law enforcement officer,
pursuant to otherwise applicable law, to search for or seize such materials, if there
is probable cause to believe that: a. The person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or other entity possessing
the materials has committed or is committing the criminal offense for which the materials
are sought; or b. The immediate seizure of the materials is necessary to prevent the death of or
serious bodily injury to a human being; or c. The giving of notice pursuant to a subpena duces tecum would result in the destruction,
alteration or deliberate concealment of the documentary materials other than work
product; or d. The documentary materials, other than work product, have not been produced in response
to a court order directing compliance with a subpena duces tecum, and (1) All appellate remedies have been exhausted by the party seeking to quash the subpena
duces tecum; or (2) There is a probability that the delay in an investigation or trial occasioned
by further proceedings relating to the subpena would threaten the interests of justice. In the event a search warrant is sought pursuant to this subparagraph, the person,
corporation, partnership, proprietorship or other entity possessing the materials
shall be afforded adequate opportunity to submit an affidavit to the court setting
forth the basis for any contention that the materials sought are not subject to seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2a:84a-21
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-21 cover?
Section 2a:84a-21 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:84a-21?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-21" (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:84a-21 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.