New Jersey legal term
Destructive device in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Destructive device” 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 “Destructive device” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Destructive device" means any device, instrument, or object designed to explode or produce uncontrolled combustion, including: (1) any explosive or incendiary bomb, mine, or grenade; (2) any rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces or any missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter of an ounce; (3) any weapon capable of firing a projectile of a caliber greater than 60 caliber, except a shotgun or shotgun ammunition generally recognized as suitable for sporting purposes; (4) any Molotov cocktail or other device consisting of a breakab (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.