New Jersey
New Jersey Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 5 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
New Jersey gives most civil plaintiffs two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 and six years to sue for breach of contract, property damage, or fraud under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1, though a contract for the sale of goods runs on a shorter four-year clock. Missing either deadline allows the defendant to move for dismissal, permanently ending the claim.
Hurt in New Jersey? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free New Jersey personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and New Jersey's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
What Is a Statute of Limitations in New Jersey?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit or press criminal charges. In New Jersey, these deadlines vary based on the type of case.
Once the statute of limitations expires on a civil claim, the defendant can ask the court to dismiss the case. If the court grants that motion, the plaintiff permanently loses the right to pursue the claim. In criminal cases, prosecutors lose the ability to bring charges once the deadline passes.
New Jersey organizes its civil filing deadlines under Title 2A of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated (N.J.S.A.), primarily in sections 2A:14-1 through 2A:14-5. Criminal time limits fall under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice at N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6.
New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations
New Jersey's civil statute of limitations governs the deadlines for filing lawsuits in state court. These limits typically range from one to twenty years depending on the type of claim. The clock usually starts on the date of the incident or, in some cases, the date the injury was discovered.
If you miss the filing deadline, the opposing party can raise the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense and file a motion to dismiss your case. Once the court grants that motion, the legal claim is gone for good.
Personal Injury and Tort Claims
New Jersey gives plaintiffs two years to file most personal injury lawsuits. This deadline applies to car accidents, slip and fall incidents, assault, and other claims involving bodily harm.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years from date of death (no deadline where the death resulted from murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter and the defendant was convicted, found not guilty by reason of insanity, or adjudicated delinquent) | N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3 |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years (discovery rule applies) | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 |
| Product Liability | 2 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 |
| Libel/Slander (Defamation) | 1 year | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3 |
The wrongful death clock starts on the date of the person's death, not the date of the act that caused the death. N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3 removes that deadline entirely in one situation: where the death resulted from murder, aggravated manslaughter, or manslaughter for which the defendant has been convicted, found not guilty by reason of insanity, or adjudicated delinquent, the action may be brought at any time. Medical malpractice claims follow the discovery rule, meaning the two-year period may not begin until the patient knew or should have known about the injury.
Contract and Property Claims
Most contract and property-related lawsuits must be filed within six years of the breach or damage. New Jersey does not distinguish between written and oral contracts for statute of limitations purposes.
One carve-out matters more than any other. N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1(b) states that the six-year period does not apply to a contract for the sale of goods, which N.J.S.A. 12A:2-725 limits to four years. That four-year clock runs from the breach itself, regardless of the buyer's lack of knowledge of it, so a goods-purchase claim filed on the six-year assumption arrives two years late.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Written Contracts (other than sales of goods) | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Oral Contracts (other than sales of goods) | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Contracts for the Sale of Goods | 4 years | N.J.S.A. 12A:2-725 |
| Property Damage (Personal or Real) | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Trespass | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Fraud | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Debt Collection | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Conversion of Property | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
Other Civil Deadlines
Several civil claims fall outside the standard two-year and six-year categories.
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Collection of Rents | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Judgments (Court of Record) | 20 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-5 |
| Construction Defect | 10 years (statute of repose) | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.1 |
| Professional Malpractice (Non-Medical) | 6 years | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 |
| Sexual Abuse (Civil, Adult Victims) | 7 years from reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2a(b)(1) |
| Sexual Abuse (Civil, Child Victims) | 37 years after the victim reaches 18 (age 55), or 7 years from reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act, whichever is later | N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2a(a)(1) |
| Workers' Compensation | 2 years | N.J.S.A. 34:15-51 |
New Jersey permanently expanded the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault claims in 2019 through P.L.2019, c.120. Adult victims have seven years, but the clock runs from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act, not from the date of the assault itself. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until 37 years after they reach the age of majority, which works out to age 55, or seven years from that same reasonable-discovery date, whichever is later.
New Jersey Criminal Statute of Limitations
New Jersey's criminal statute of limitations sets time limits on when prosecutors can bring charges. Unlike many states, New Jersey classifies crimes as "indictable offenses" (similar to felonies in other states), "disorderly persons offenses" (similar to misdemeanors), and "petty disorderly persons offenses." These categories carry different filing deadlines under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6.
Crimes With No Time Limit
New Jersey law allows prosecutors to file charges at any time for the most serious offenses. These crimes have no statute of limitations:
- Murder (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3)
- Manslaughter (N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4)
- Sexual assault (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2)
- Terrorism-related offenses (P.L.2002, c.26, sections 1 through 5)
- The environmental offenses enumerated in N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(a)(2), including causing or risking widespread injury or damage (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-2) and the listed hazardous waste, air pollution, right to know, and water pollution violations
Human trafficking (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8) is a serious indictable offense, but it is not on New Jersey's no-limit list. It carries the standard 5-year statute of limitations for indictable crimes under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(1).
This means a person can be charged with any of these crimes regardless of how many years have passed since the alleged act.
Indictable Offenses (Felonies)
Most indictable offenses carry a five-year statute of limitations. The clock starts when the crime is committed. Some categories have extended deadlines:
| Crime Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Most Indictable Offenses | 5 years | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(1) |
| Official Misconduct | 7 years | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(3) |
| Bribery and Related Offenses | 7 years | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(3) |
| Environmental Crimes Enumerated in 2C:1-6(a)(2) | No time limit | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(a)(2) |
| Other Environmental Offenses | 5 years | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(1) |
The environmental exception is broader than it first appears. N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(a)(2) allows a prosecution to be commenced at any time for causing or risking widespread injury or damage (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-2) and for violations of the solid waste, hazardous waste, air pollution control, worker and community right to know, and water pollution control statutes it lists by name. An environmental offense outside that list falls back to the general five-year period for crimes.
Disorderly Persons and Petty Offenses
Less serious offenses have a shorter filing deadline:
| Crime Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Disorderly Persons Offense | 1 year | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(2) |
| Petty Disorderly Persons Offense | 1 year | N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(2) |
Crimes Against Children
New Jersey provides extended deadlines for crimes committed against minors. If the victim of criminal sexual contact (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3) or child endangerment (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4) was under 18 at the time of the offense, prosecutors must bring charges within five years after the victim turns 18 or within two years of the victim's discovery of the offense, whichever is later.
Tolling Provisions: When the Clock Pauses
Certain circumstances can pause or "toll" the statute of limitations in New Jersey. Tolling effectively stops the clock, giving the plaintiff or prosecutor more time to act.
Minors
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21, the statute of limitations does not begin running until a minor turns 18. For example, if a 10-year-old suffers a personal injury, the two-year statute of limitations does not start until that child's 18th birthday. The child would then have until age 20 to file a lawsuit.
An exception exists for medical malpractice involving birth injuries. In those cases, the lawsuit must be filed by the child's 13th birthday.
Mental Disability
If a person has a mental disability that prevents them from understanding their legal rights or filing a lawsuit, the statute of limitations is tolled until that disability is removed. This provision also falls under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21.
Defendant Absent From the State
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22, if the defendant leaves New Jersey after the incident and cannot be served with process, the time spent outside the state does not count toward the statute of limitations. The clock pauses for the duration of the defendant's absence.
Discovery Rule
New Jersey courts apply the "discovery rule" in cases where the plaintiff could not reasonably have known about the injury at the time it occurred. Under this rule, the statute of limitations does not start until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury through reasonable diligence.
The New Jersey Supreme Court first announced this rule in Fernandi v. Strully (1961) and, in Lopez v. Swyer, held that a judge rather than a jury decides whether a plaintiff gets its benefit. Courts have since applied it to medical malpractice, toxic exposure, and other cases where injuries are not immediately apparent.
Criminal Tolling
For criminal cases, N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(e) stops the clock while a prosecution against the accused for the same conduct is pending in New Jersey, and N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(f) makes the limitations periods inapplicable to a person fleeing from justice.
Simply living outside New Jersey does not pause a criminal deadline. The non-residence rule described above is N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22, and it governs civil claims only. N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6 contains no absence-from-the-state tolling provision.
How the Statute of Limitations Starts (Accrual)
Understanding when the statute of limitations begins is just as important as knowing the deadline itself. In New Jersey, the general rule is that the clock starts on the date of the incident.
For contract disputes, the limitations period begins on the date of the breach. For personal injury cases, it begins on the date of the injury. For wrongful death, the clock starts on the date of death.
However, the discovery rule can shift the start date. If a person could not have discovered the injury despite exercising reasonable care, New Jersey courts may rule that the statute of limitations did not begin until the discovery date.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline
If the statute of limitations expires before you file a lawsuit, the consequences are severe. The defendant can file a motion to dismiss based on the expired deadline, and New Jersey courts will almost always grant it.
There are very few exceptions to a missed deadline. Tolling provisions (for minors, mental disability, or absent defendants) may apply in some cases, but they must be raised and proven by the plaintiff.
For criminal cases, an expired statute of limitations means prosecutors cannot bring charges. If charges are filed after the deadline, the defendant can move to dismiss them.
The best way to protect your rights is to consult with a New Jersey attorney well before the deadline approaches. An attorney can evaluate whether any tolling provisions apply and help ensure your claim is filed on time.
More New Jersey Laws
- New Jersey Car Accident Laws
- New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
- New Jersey Expungement Laws
- New Jersey Slip and Fall Laws
- New Jersey Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New Jersey?
New Jersey gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. This applies to car accidents, slip and fall cases, assault claims, and other personal injury matters. The discovery rule may extend this deadline if the injury was not immediately apparent.
Is there a statute of limitations on murder in New Jersey?
No. Murder, manslaughter, and sexual assault have no statute of limitations in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(a). Prosecutors can file charges for these crimes at any time, regardless of how many years have passed. Human trafficking (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8) is not on that list; it carries the standard 5-year indictable-crime deadline under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(1).
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in New Jersey?
You have six years from the date of the breach to file a lawsuit for breach of contract in New Jersey under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1, and that applies to both written and oral contracts. Contracts for the sale of goods are the exception: N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1(b) carves them out and N.J.S.A. 12A:2-725 allows four years, measured from the breach even if the buyer did not know about it.
Does the statute of limitations pause for minors in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21, the statute of limitations does not begin running until a minor turns 18. Once they reach 18, the standard limitations period applies. For example, a minor with a personal injury claim would have until age 20 to file suit.
What is the discovery rule in New Jersey?
The discovery rule delays the start of the statute of limitations until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury. New Jersey courts apply this rule in cases such as medical malpractice and toxic exposure, where the harm may not be immediately apparent. The rule was first announced by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Fernandi v. Strully (1961), and in Lopez v. Swyer the Court held that a judge, not a jury, decides whether it applies.
Updates
Corrected the description of Lopez v. Swyer: the discovery rule was first announced in Fernandi v. Strully (1961), and Lopez held that a judge, not a jury, decides whether it applies.
Corrected New Jersey's criminal and civil filing deadlines against the official statute text: the enumerated environmental offenses under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(a)(2) have no time limit rather than five years, disorderly persons offenses are governed by 2C:1-6(b)(2), criminal deadlines are not tolled by mere absence from the state, wrongful death has no deadline where the death resulted from a murder or manslaughter conviction, contracts for the sale of goods run four years under N.J.S.A. 12A:2-725 rather than six, and the civil sexual abuse periods run from reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act.
Corrected two statutory citation errors: human trafficking is not among New Jersey crimes with no time limit (it carries the standard 5-year deadline), and the adult-victim civil sexual-abuse citation was fixed from N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2b to the correct 2A:14-2a.
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
New Jersey Statutes (Unannotated)
§ 2A:14-16 yearsIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
2A:14-1. a. Every action at law for trespass to real property, for any tortious injury to real or personal property, for taking, detaining, or converting personal property, for replevin of goods or chattels, for any tortious injury to the rights of another not stated in N.J.S.2A:14-2 and N.J.S.2A:14-3, or for recovery upon a contractual claim or liability, express or implied, not under seal, or upon an account other than one which concerns the trade or merchandise between merchant and merchant, their factors, agents and servants, shall be commenced within six years next after the cause of any such action shall have accrued. b. This section shall not apply to any action for breach of any contract for sale governed by N.J.S.12A:2-725. c. The period of time for the filing of a claim by a condominium association, cooperative corporation, or other planned real estate development association against a developer or any person acting through, on behalf of or at the behest of the developer under subsection a. of this section, shall be tolled until an election is held and the owners comprise a majority of the board pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection a.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 444 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Spring Motors Distributors, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1985, 98 N.J. 555)“…but within the six-year period applicable to tort actions, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1. *561 The defendants are a motor ve…”
- Heavner v. Uniroyal, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1973, 63 N.J. 130)“…rued. 8 *144 The latter, N. J. S. A. 2A:14-1, prior to the adoption of the Uniform C…”
- Montells v. Haynes (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1993, 133 N.J. 282)“…whether the six-year general statute of limitations, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1, 1 or the two-year persona…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Debt Collection Laws: The 10% Garnishment Ceiling and the Medical Debt Ban, New Jersey Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Right to Sue
§ 2A:14-2Actions for injury caused by wrongful act, appointment of guardian ad litem.In forcecited in 6 of our articles
2A:14-2. a. Except as otherwise provided by law, every action at law for an injury to the person caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of any person within this State shall be commenced within two years next after the cause of any such action shall have accrued; except that an action by or on behalf of a minor that has accrued for medical malpractice for injuries sustained at birth shall be commenced prior to the minor's 13th birthday. b. In the event that an action by or on behalf of a minor that has accrued for medical malpractice for injuries sustained at birth is not commenced by the minor's parent or guardian prior to the minor's 12th birthday, the minor or a person 18 years of age or older designated by the minor to act on the minor's behalf may commence such an action. For this purpose, the minor or designated person may petition the court for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to act on the minor's behalf.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 496 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ayers v. Township of Jackson (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1987, 106 N.J. 557)“…riate to clarify the effect of the statute of limitations, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, and the single controversy doctrine on…”
- O'CONNOR v. Abraham Altus (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1975, 67 N.J. 106)“…t statute with the personal injury statute of limitations, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, and with the tolling statute, N.J.S.A…”
- Tevis v. Tevis (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1979, 79 N.J. 422)“…Consequently, that cause of action is not time-barred. N. J. S. A. 2A:14-2 — the statute of limitations applicable…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Car Accident Laws: No-Fault Choice, PIP, and Your Claim, Medical Malpractice Laws in New Jersey (2026): Deadlines & Caps, Motorcycle Accident Laws in New Jersey (2026): Deadlines
§ 2C:1-6Time limitations.In force
2C:1-6. Time Limitations. a. (1) A prosecution for any offense set forth in N.J.S.2C:11-3, N.J.S.2C:11-4, N.J.S.2C:14-2 or sections 1 through 5 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-1 through C.2C:38-5) may be commenced at any time. (2) A prosecution for any offense set forth in N.J.S.2C:17-2, section 9 of P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-9), section 20 of P.L.1989, c.34 (C.13:1E-48.20), section 19 of P.L.1954, c.212 (C.26:2C-19), section 10 of P.L.1984, c.173 (C.34:5A-41), or section 10 of P.L.1977, c.74 (C.58:10A-10) may be commenced at any time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 73 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Twiggs (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2018, 233 N.J. 513)“…the actor by means of comparison to the physical evidence." N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(c). These consolidated appeals hinge on…”
- State v. Short (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1993, 131 N.J. 47)“…offenses of aggravated manslaughter and manslaughter, see N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6 (amended by L. 1988 c. 68). Of cour…”
- State v. Cagno (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2012, 211 N.J. 488)“…defense to be asserted by a defendant.” Ibid. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6(b)(1), a prosecution for a crime genera…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2A:14-21Disabilities affecting limitation; action on behalf of minor.In force
2A:14-21. If a person entitled to commence an action or proceeding specified in N.J.S.2A:14-1 to 2A:14-8 or N.J.S.2A:14-16 to 2A:14-20 or to a right or title of entry under N.J.S.2A:14-6 is under the age of 18 years or a person who has a mental disability that prevents the person from understanding his legal rights or commencing a legal action at the time the cause of action or right or title accrues, the person may commence the action or make the entry, within the time as limited by those statutes, after reaching majority or having the mental capacity to pursue the person's lawful rights. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section to the contrary, an action by or on behalf of a minor that has accrued for medical malpractice for injuries sustained at birth shall be commenced prior to the minor's 13th birthday, as provided in N.J.S.2A:14-2.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 74 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- O'CONNOR v. Abraham Altus (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1975, 67 N.J. 106)“…tations, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, and with the tolling statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21; and the rulings by the courts below on…”
- LaFage v. Jani (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2001, 166 N.J. 412)“…basis. They draw support from the general tolling statute, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21, because claims under the Wrongful Deat…”
- Jones v. Jones (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 1990, 242 N.J. Super. 195)“…ual abuse were so severe as to constitute "insanity" under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-21, thereby extending the period of limita…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2A:14-22Tolling of statute of limitationsIn force
2A:14-22. a. If (1) any person against whom there is any of the causes of action specified in sections 2A:14-1 to 2A:14-5 and 2A:14-8, or if any surety against whom there is a cause of action specified in any of the sections of article 2 of this chapter, is not a resident of this State when such cause of action accrues, or removes from this State after the accrual thereof and before the expiration of the times limited in said sections, or if any corporation or corporate surety not organized under the laws of this State, against whom there is such a cause of action, is not represented in this State by any person or officer upon whom summons or other original process may be served, when such cause of action accrues or at any time before the expiration of the times so limited, and (2) it appears by affidavit of plaintiff's attorney or of any person having knowledge of the facts that, after diligent inquiry and effort, long-arm service cannot be effectuated, the time or times during which such person or surety is not residing within this State or such corporation or corporate surety is not so represented within this State shall not be computed as part of the periods of time within…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 38 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2008
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Coons v. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1984, 96 N.J. 419)“…( Coons I ), this Court addressed the constitutionality of N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22 in the face of an attack under the comm…”
- Coons v. American Honda Motor Co. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1983, 94 N.J. 307)“…on and validity, in the context of the Commerce Clause, of N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22, which tolls the running of the applica…”
- Velmohos v. Maren Engineering Corp. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1980, 83 N.J. 282)“…SULLIVAN, J., dissenting. I would construe N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22 to toll the statute of limitations as t…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2A:31-3Limitation of actions; exceptionsIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
2A:31-3 Every action brought under this chapter shall be commenced within 2 years after the death of the decedent, and not thereafter, provided, however, that if the death resulted from murder, aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter for which the defendant has been convicted, found not guilty by reason of insanity or adjudicated delinquent, the action may be brought at any time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 45 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Alfone v. Sarno (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1981, 87 N.J. 99)“…separate statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3, is further indication of the differing…”
- LaFage v. Jani (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2001, 166 N.J. 412)“…years after the death of the decedent, and not thereafter." N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3 (emphasis added). Because we agree with…”
- Negron v. Llarena (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1998, 156 N.J. 296)“…ears after the death of the decedent, and not thereafter." N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3. Because this period of limitation was…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Truck Accident Laws in New Jersey (2026): Deadlines & Liability, New Jersey Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines
§ 2A:14-31 year; libel or slanderIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Every action at law for libel or slander shall be commenced within 1 year next after the publication of the alleged libel or slander.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 91 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Williams v. Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1993, 132 N.J. 109)“…ute of limitations applicable to defamation actions, N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3. Although defendant had pleaded the def…”
- JOHN SMITH VS. ARVIND R. DATLA, M.D.(L-1527-15, MERCER COUNTY AND STATEWIDE) (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 2017, 451 N.J. Super. 82)“…the one-year limitation period for defamation set forth in N.J.S.A. 2A:14-3. The second legal issue is w…”
- Lawrence v. Bauer Publishing & Printing Ltd. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1979, 78 N.J. 371)“…ations is applicable to “[e]very action at law for libel,” N. J. S. A. 2A:14-3, plaintiffs’ claims for damages against…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Defamation Laws: Libel & Slander (2026)
§ 2A:14-520 years; judgmentsIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
A judgment in any court of record in this state may be revived by proper proceedings or an action at law may be commenced thereon within 20 years next after the date thereof, but not thereafter. An action may be commenced on a judgment obtained in any other state or country within 20 years next after the date thereof or within the period in which a like action might be brought thereon in that state or country, whichever period is shorter, but not thereafter.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 23 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Singh v. Sidana (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 2006, 387 N.J. Super. 380)“…ffs contend that the trial court erred by failing to apply N.J.S.A. 2A:14-5 and N.J.S.A. 2A:49A-27 according to t…”
- Kronstadt v. Kronstadt (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 1990, 238 N.J. Super. 614)“…nt is sufficient to warrant the entry of the new judgment. N.J.S.A. 2A:14-5 provides in part: A judgment in any c…”
- ADAMAR OF NEW JERSEY, INC. v. Mason (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 2008, 399 N.J. Super. 63)“…ditional twenty years by a timely motion for revival under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-5. The trial court granted the creditor's…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Small Claims Court: $5,000 Limit, Fees and How to File
§ 2A:14-1.1Damages for injury from unsafe condition of improvement to real property; statute of limitations; exceptions; terms definedIn force
1. a. No action, whether in contract, in tort, or otherwise, to recover damages for any deficiency in the design, planning, surveying, supervision or construction of an improvement to real property, or for any injury to property, real or personal, or for an injury to the person, or for bodily injury or wrongful death, arising out of the defective and unsafe condition of an improvement to real property, nor any action for contribution or indemnity for damages sustained on account of such injury, shall be brought against any person performing or furnishing the design, planning, surveying, supervision of construction or construction of such improvement to real property, more than 10 years after the performance or furnishing of such services and construction. This limitation shall serve as a bar to all such actions, both governmental and private, but shall not apply to actions against any person in actual possession and control as owner, tenant, or otherwise, of the improvement at the time the defective and unsafe condition of such improvement constitutes the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which the action is brought.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 93 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Rosenberg v. Town of North Bergen (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1972, 61 N.J. 190)“…f against either of these corporations was barred by N. J. S. A. 2A:14-1.1. 1 Both of *194…”
- Ramirez v. Amsted Industries, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1981, 86 N.J. 332)“…at 277 . In this regard, an analogy has been made to N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.1, which specifically provides that no ac…”
- O'CONNOR v. Abraham Altus (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1975, 67 N.J. 106)“…of these determinations. Also considered are the impact of N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.1 dealing with the unsafe condition of im…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2A:14-2aStatute of limitations for action at law resulting from certain sexual crimes against a minor.In force
2. a. (1) Every action at law for an injury resulting from the commission of sexual assault, any other crime of a sexual nature, a prohibited sexual act as defined in section 2 of P.L.1992, c.7 (C.2A:30B-2), or sexual abuse as defined in section 1 of P.L.1992, c.109 (C.2A:61B-1) against a minor under the age of 18 that occurred prior to, on or after the effective date of P.L.2019, c.120 (C.2A:14-2a et al.) shall be commenced within 37 years after the minor reaches the age of majority, or within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act, whichever date is later. (2) To the extent applicable, any action for an injury that occurred prior to the effective date of P.L.2019, c.120 (C.2A:14-2a et al.) shall be subject to the provisions of subsection c. of section 1 of P.L.1959, c.90 (C.2A:53A-7) and P.L.2005, c.264 (C.2A:53A-7.4 et seq.), as amended by P.L.2019, c.120 (C.2A:14-2a et al.). b.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
§ 2C:11-3Murder.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
2C:11-3. Murder. a. Except as provided in N.J.S.2C:11-4, criminal homicide constitutes murder when: (1) The actor purposely causes death or serious bodily injury resulting in death; or (2) The actor knowingly causes death or serious bodily injury resulting in death; or (3) It is committed when the actor, acting either alone or with one or more other persons, is engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit robbery, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, carjacking, criminal escape or terrorism pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2002, c.26 (C.2C:38-2), and in the course of such crime or of immediate flight therefrom, any person causes the death of a person other than one of the participants; except that in any prosecution under this subsection, in which the defendant was not the only participant in the underlying crime, it is an affirmative defense that the defendant: (a) Did not commit the homicidal act or in any way solicit, request, command, importune, cause or aid the commission thereof; and (b) Was not armed with a deadly weapon, or any instrument, article or substance readily capable of causing…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 1,748 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Harris (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2004, 181 N.J. 391)“…he murdered Huggins in the course of a felony, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3c(4)(g), and for the purpose of escaping…”
- State v. Marshall (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1997, 148 N.J. 89)“…mitigating factors concern a defendant’s mental capacity. N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3c(5)(a) (“The defendant was under the in…”
- State v. Ramseur (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1987, 106 N.J. 123)“…Per Se .................. 168 B. Constitutionality of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3 ...................... 182 C. Cons…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: How Long Is a Life Sentence in New Jersey? (2026 Guide)
§ 2C:11-4Manslaughter.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
2C:11-4. Manslaughter. a. Criminal homicide constitutes aggravated manslaughter when: (1) The actor recklessly causes death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life; or (2) The actor causes the death of another person while fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer in violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2. Notwithstanding the provision of any other law to the contrary, the actor shall be strictly liable for a violation of this paragraph upon proof of a violation of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:29-2 which resulted in the death of another person. As used in this paragraph, "actor" shall not include a passenger in a motor vehicle. b. Criminal homicide constitutes manslaughter when: (1) It is committed recklessly; or (2) A homicide which would otherwise be murder under N.J.S.2C:11-3 is committed in the heat of passion resulting from a reasonable provocation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 656 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Reinaldo Fuentes (070729) (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2014, 217 N.J. 57)“…e State, defendant pled guilty to aggravated manslaughter, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(c), and the other charges pending agai…”
- State v. Terrell Hubbard (073539) (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2015, 222 N.J. 249)“…dant with second-degree reckless manslaughter, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(b)(1), and second-degree endangering th…”
- State v. Gerald (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1988, 113 N.J. 40)“…152 , 107 S.Ct. at 1685 , 95 L.Ed.2d at 141 . In N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4(a) the legislature has defined aggravat…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Manslaughter Laws: Aggravated, Passion and Vehicular (2026)
§ 2C:14-2Sexual assault.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
2C:14-2. Sexual assault. a. An actor is guilty of aggravated sexual assault if the actor commits an act of sexual penetration with another person under any one of the following circumstances: (1) The victim is less than 13 years old; (2) The victim is at least 13 but less than 16 years old; and (a) The actor is related to the victim by blood or affinity to the third degree, or (b) The actor has supervisory or disciplinary power over the victim by virtue of the actor's legal, professional, or occupational status, or (c) The actor is a resource family parent, a guardian, or stands in loco parentis within the household; (3) The act is committed during the commission, or attempted commission, whether alone or with one or more other persons, of robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, homicide, aggravated assault on the victim or a person other than the victim, burglary, arson, or criminal escape; (4) The actor is armed with a weapon or any object fashioned in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe it to be a weapon and threatens by word or gesture to use the weapon or object; (5) The actor is aided or abetted by one or more other persons and the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 1,332 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Yarbough (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1985, 100 N.J. 627)“…eleven-year-old daughter, Kimberly, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a., committed between June 1, 1982, and…”
- State v. Williams (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1988, 113 N.J. 393)“…e); aggravated sexual assault while armed, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(4) (count six); aggravated sexual assa…”
- State v. Zuber (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2017, 227 N.J. 422)“…t-degree aggravated sexual assault by vaginal penetration, N.J.S.A 2C:14-2; and (4) a concurrent term of 20 year…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Age of Consent Laws: Statutes and Reporting
§ 2C:14-3Criminal sexual contact.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
2C:14-3. Criminal sexual contact. a. An actor is guilty of aggravated criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in 2C:14-2a. (2) through (7). Aggravated criminal sexual contact is a crime of the third degree. b. An actor is guilty of criminal sexual contact if he commits an act of sexual contact with the victim under any of the circumstances set forth in section 2C:14-2c. (1) through (5). Criminal sexual contact is a crime of the fourth degree.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 390 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Nuñez-Valdéz (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2009, 200 N.J. 129)“…and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) and 2C:14—2(c)(1). Defendant waived…”
- State v. Nunez-Valdez (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2009, 200 N.J. 129)“…and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(b) and 2C:14-2(c)(1). Defendant waived…”
- State v. Muhammad (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2005, 182 N.J. 551)“…(6); and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3(a). The charges alleged that defendant…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 2C:24-4Endangering welfare of children.In forcecited in 5 of our articles
2C:24-4. Endangering Welfare of Children. a. (1) Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm as described in this paragraph to a child is guilty of a crime of the third degree. (2) Any person having a legal duty for the care of a child or who has assumed responsibility for the care of a child who causes the child harm that would make the child an abused or neglected child as defined in R.S.9:6-1, R.S.9:6-3, and section 1 of P.L.1974, c.119 (C.9:6-8.21) is guilty of a crime of the second degree. Any other person who engages in conduct or who causes harm as described in this paragraph to a child is guilty of a crime of the third degree. b. (1) As used in this subsection: "Child" means any person under 18 years of age.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 1,030 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Terrell Hubbard (073539) (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2015, 222 N.J. 249)“…ond-degree endangering the welfare of a child, contrary to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a). The trial court granted defendant’s…”
- State v. Miller (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1987, 108 N.J. 112)“…N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(1), and child endangerment, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a, should merge, and if merger is not re…”
- State v. Galloway (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1993, 133 N.J. 631)“…ild. At the time of defendant's trial, the Code section, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a, prescribing the third-degree crime of…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Jersey Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026), New Jersey Sexting Laws: Legal Consequences and Penalties, New Jersey Pornography Laws (2026): Legality and Penalties
§ 2C:13-8Human trafficking.In force
1. Human trafficking. a. A person commits the crime of human trafficking if he: (1) knowingly holds, recruits, lures, entices, harbors, transports, provides or obtains, by any means, another, to engage in sexual activity as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:34-1 or to provide labor or services: (a) by causing or threatening to cause serious bodily harm or physical restraint against the person or any other person; (b) by means of any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person to believe that the person or any other person would suffer serious bodily harm or physical restraint; (c) by committing a violation of N.J.S.2C:13-5 against the person; (d) by destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or possessing any passport, immigration-related document as defined in section 1 of P.L.1997, c.1 (C.2C:21-31), or other document issued by a governmental agency to any person which could be used as a means of verifying the person's identity or age or any other personal identifying information; (e) by means of the abuse or threatened abuse of the law or legal process; (f) by means of fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation against the…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 12 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Habeeb Robinson(078900) (Essex County and Statewide) (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2017, 229 N.J. 44)“…crime involving human trafficking pursuant to [N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8] or [N.J.S.A. 52:17B-237 et al…”
- In re J.S. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2015, 223 N.J. 54)“…1 — 5); kidnapping, N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1; human trafficking, N.J.S.A 2C:13-8; sexual assault or aggravated sexual as…”
- State of New Jersey v. Habeeb Robinson (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 2017)“…volving human trafficking pursuant to section 1 of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8 or N.J.S.A. 52:17B-237 et al.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 34:15-51Filing of petition; two year limitIn force
34:15-51. Every claimant for compensation under Article 2 of this chapter (R.S. 34:15-7 et seq.) shall, unless a settlement is effected or a petition filed under the provisions of R.S. 34:15-50, submit to the Division of Workers' Compensation a petition filed and verified in a manner prescribed by regulation, within two years after the date on which the accident occurred, or in case an agreement for compensation has been made between the employer and the claimant, then within two years after the failure of the employer to make payment pursuant to the terms of such agreement; or in case a part of the compensation has been paid by the employer, then within two years after the last payment of compensation except that repair or replacement of prosthetic devices shall not be construed to extend the time for filing of a claim petition. A payment, or agreement to pay by the insurance carrier, shall for the purpose of this section be deemed payment or agreement by the employer.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-08-01 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at lis.njleg.state.nj.us
Cited in 30 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Brunell v. Wildwood Crest Police Department (Supreme Court of New Jersey 2003, 176 N.J. 225)“…e of limitations, N.J.S.A. 34:15-41 and N.J.S.A. 34:15-51, or under the less onerous discovery-ru…”
- Sheffield v. Schering Plough Corp. (Supreme Court of New Jersey 1996, 146 N.J. 442)“…ction be deemed payment or agreement by the employer. [ N.J.S.A. 34:15-51 (emphases added).] "It is manifest th…”
- Townsend v. Great Adventure (New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division 1981, 178 N.J. Super. 508)“…would have rendered his claim petition timely since under N.J.S.A. 34:15-51 a petition may be brought within two ye…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Sources and References
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1 (6-Year Limitations Period)(law.justia.com)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2 (2-Year Limitations Period for Personal Injury)(njcourts.gov).gov
- N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6 (Criminal Time Limitations)(law.justia.com)
- NJ Courts: Statute of Limitations FAQ(njcourts.gov).gov
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-1.1 (Construction Defect Statute of Repose)(law.justia.com)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-22 (Tolling of Statute of Limitations)(law.justia.com)
- Governor Murphy Signs Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations Expansion (2019)(nj.gov).gov
- P.L. 2019, c.120 (Sexual Assault Civil SOL Expansion)(pub.njleg.gov).gov
- New Jersey Legislature Statutes(lis.njleg.state.nj.us).gov
- N.J.S.A. 2A:31-3 (Wrongful Death Limitation; Murder/Manslaughter Exception)(lis.njleg.state.nj.us)
- N.J.S.A. 12A:2-725 (4-Year Limitation on Contracts for Sale)(lis.njleg.state.nj.us)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2a (Civil Sexual Abuse Limitations; Reasonable Discovery)(lis.njleg.state.nj.us)
- N.J.S.A. 2C:1-6 (Criminal Time Limitations, Official Text)(lis.njleg.state.nj.us)