New Jersey § 30:4-82

§ 30:4-82.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The use of isolated confinement in this State's correctional facilities should

be restricted to ensure the safe and humane operation of these facilities, consistent

with the New Jersey Constitution, the laws and public policies of this State, the

mission of the correctional system, evolving medical knowledge, and human rights standards

of decency. b. Isolated confinement should only be used when necessary, and should not be used

against vulnerable populations or under conditions or for time periods that foster

psychological trauma, psychiatric disorders, or serious, long-term damage to an isolated

person's brain. c. The standards established in this act should apply to all persons detained in correctional

facilities under the jurisdiction of this State or any subdivision, regardless of

the civil or criminal nature of the charges against them. d. Citing the devastating and lasting psychological consequences of solitary confinement

on persons detained in correctional facilities, President Obama adopted reforms in

January 2016 to reduce its use in federal correctional facilities, including banning

restrictive housing for low-level offenders and juveniles; decreasing the maximum

length of time an inmate may be held in restricted housing from 365 days to 60 days;

and increasing time spent outside the cell for inmates held in restrictive housing.