Civil Rights & Disputes in New Jersey
Key New Jersey Law
New Jersey Law Against Discrimination — N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.
New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (LAD) is one of the broadest state civil rights laws, prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation based on an extensive list of characteristics including race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, liability for military service, disability, nationality, and atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait.
View official statuteProcedural Details in New Jersey
New Jersey Agencies & Resources
New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
State agency handling civil rights complaints under the NJ Law Against Discrimination; complainants may also file directly in court.
EEOC Newark Area Office
Federal agency handling employment discrimination charges for New Jersey workers.
New Jersey State Bar Association — Lawyer Referral
Referral service for civil rights attorneys licensed in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file with a state agency before suing under New Jersey's LAD?
No. New Jersey's LAD is unusual in that complainants may file directly in state court without first exhausting administrative remedies through the Division on Civil Rights. You may also choose to file with the DCR, but it is not required.
How long do I have to file a civil rights complaint in New Jersey?
For DCR complaints, the filing window is two years from the discriminatory act. For direct court actions under the LAD, the statute of limitations is also two years.
Does New Jersey have an anti-SLAPP statute?
Yes. New Jersey's anti-SLAPP statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:53A-21 et seq.) protects petitioning activity directed at government bodies. Successful defendants may recover attorney's fees and costs.
What is the defamation statute of limitations in New Jersey?
Defamation claims in New Jersey must be filed within one year under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3.
Related Civil Rights & Disputes Scenarios
Can I sue for libel over false online reviews?
Legal options when false online reviews damage business reputation or cause financial harm.
Can I sue for intentional infliction of emotional distress?
Legal options when someone intentionally or recklessly causes extreme emotional distress through outrageous conduct.
Can I sue for trespassing or property line disputes?
Legal options when neighbors, companies, or individuals trespass on your property or violate property boundaries.
Can I sue for police misconduct?
Understanding civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, the qualified immunity doctrine, and the process for holding law enforcement accountable.
Have a Specific Situation in New Jersey?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.