New Jersey legal term
Guardian in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Guardian” 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 “Guardian” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Guardian" means a person, other than a parent, to whom legal custody of the child has been given by court order or who is acting in the place of the parent or is responsible for the care and welfare of the juvenile. g. (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-22)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition
- Availability of alcoholic beverages to underaged, offenses
- Commercial bribery and breach of duty to act disinterestedly
- Crime of cyber-harassment
- Criminal restraint
- False imprisonment
- Female genital mutilation of females under 18 years of age, third degree crime
- Kidnapping
- Misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institution
- Posting, information, certain, Internet; degree of crime
- Sexual assault
- Tattooing of a minor; parental permission, required
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.