New Jersey § 2c:20-23
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-23, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2c:20-23.
As used in this act: a. “ Access ” means to instruct, communicate with, store data in, retrieve data from, or otherwise
make use of any resources of a computer, computer storage medium, computer system, or computer network. b. “ Computer ” means an electronic , magnetic, optical, electrochemical or other high speed data processing device or another similar device capable of executing a computer program, including
arithmetic, logic, memory , data storage or input-output operations and includes all computer equipment connected to such a device , computer system or computer network , but shall not include an automated typewriter or typesetter or a portable, hand-held
calculator . c. “ Computer equipment ” means any equipment or devices, including all input, output, processing, storage,
software, or communications facilities, intended to interface with the computer. d. “ Computer network ” means the interconnection of communication lines, including microwave or other means
of electronic communications, with a computer through remote terminals, or a complex
consisting of two or more interconnected computers , and shall include the Internet . e. “ Computer program ” means a series of instructions or statements executable on a computer, which directs
the computer system in a manner to produce a desired result. f. “ Computer software ” means a set of computer programs, data, procedures, and associated documentation
concerned with the operation of a computer system. g. “ Computer system ” means a set of interconnected computer equipment intended to operate as a cohesive
system. h. “ Data ” means information, facts, concepts, or instructions contained in a computer, computer storage medium, computer system, or computer network. It shall also include, but not be limited to, any alphanumeric, hexadecimal, octal
or binary code. i. “ Data base ” means a collection of data. j. “ Financial instrument ” includes but is not limited to a check, draft, warrant, money order, note, certificate
of deposit, letter of credit, bill of exchange, credit or debit card, transaction
authorization mechanism, marketable security and any computer representation of these
items. k. “ Services ” includes but is not limited to the use of a computer system, computer network, computer
programs, data prepared for computer use and data contained within a computer system
or computer network. l . “ Personal identifying information ” shall have the meaning set forth in subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:21-17 , and shall also include passwords and other codes that permit access to any data,
data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software,
computer equipment, computer system or computer network, where access is intended
to be secure, restricted or limited. m. “ Internet ” means the international computer network of both federal and non-federal interoperable
packet switched data networks. n. “ Alter, ” “ damage ” or “ destroy ” shall include, but not be limited to, any change or impairment to the integrity
or availability of any data or other information, data base, computer program, computer
software, computer equipment, computer, computer storage medium, computer system,
or computer network by any means including introduction of a computer contaminant. o . “ User of computer services ” shall include, but not be limited to, any person, business, computer, computer network,
computer system, computer equipment or any other device which makes use of any resources
of a computer, computer network, computer system, computer storage medium, computer
equipment, data or data base. p. “ Computer contaminant ” means any set of computer instructions that are designed to alter, damage, destroy,
record or transmit information within a computer, computer system or computer network
without the authorization of the owner of the information. They include, but are not limited to, a group of computer instructions commonly
called viruses or worms, that are self-replicating or self-propagating and are designed
to contaminate other computer programs or computer data, consume computer resources,
alter, damage, destroy, record or transmit data or in some other fashion usurp the
normal operation of the computer, computer program, computer operations, computer
services or computer network. q. “ Authorization ” means permission, authority or consent given by a person who possesses lawful authority
to grant such permission, authority or consent to another person to access, operate,
use, obtain, take, copy, alter, damage or destroy a computer, computer network, computer
system, computer equipment, computer software, computer program, computer storage
medium, or data. An actor has authorization if a reasonable person would believe that the act was
authorized.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2c:20-23
What does New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-23 cover?
Section 2c:20-23 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:20-23?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2c:20-23" (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:20-23 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.