New Jersey legal term
Deadly force in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Deadly force” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Deadly force” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Deadly force" means force which the actor uses with the purpose of causing or which he knows to create a substantial risk of causing death or serious bodily harm. (N.J.S.A. 2C:3-11)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.