Terms Used In New Jersey Statutes 2A:12-14

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Plea agreement: An arrangement between the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for special considerations. Source:
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
2. a. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish procedures to ensure that advance notice is given to the prosecutor in any matter in which (1) a victim of an offense has been identified, and (2) the offense is within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, and (3) the offense involves criminal conduct or conduct arising from an incident of domestic violence pursuant to N.J.S. 2C:25-17 et seq. in which a criminal complaint has been filed. Notice shall include the date, time and place of the defendant‘s appearance before a judicial officer and shall include, but not be limited to, notice of motions or hearings to establish or reduce bail or authorize other pre-trial release from custody; notice of proceedings in which any plea agreement may be submitted; notice of trial and notice of sentencing.

b. Upon receipt of such notice from the court, the prosecutor shall use any reasonable means available to notify a victim in advance of a scheduled proceeding.

c. As used in this act, “Prosecutor” means the prosecutor of the county in which the defendant was convicted, unless the matter was prosecuted by the Attorney General, in which case “prosecutor” means the Attorney General.

L.1994,c.131,s.2.