Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt, all R-Ocean/Burl./Atl., today announced their intention to introduce legislation to establish the crime of “cyber-harassment” in New Jersey. Under the Delegation’s measure, the state’s harassment statute would be amended to include “cyber-harassment” which would be prosecuted as a petty disorderly offense.
“Cyber-harassment is a very real and growing problem that has intensified in recent years as the Internet continues to be more actively used by the average person as a means of communicating,” said Assemblyman Rumpf. “Our Delegation has been approached by a concerned group of individuals fearful that this form of harassment was becoming more prevalent in their children’s schools. Drawing on their own experience, they elaborated on the extent of cyber-bullying which can include web sites designed to target specific children or teachers as well as the posting of embarrassing information or photographs. We feel the most effective means of curtailing this emerging form of harassment is to establish penalties that can used by law enforcement and the courts to prosecute and convict those found in violation of the law.”
The 9th District lawmakers’ bill focuses on harassment through the use of an electronic communication device which would include the positioning of photographic images or other descriptive material on an Internet website. Additionally, the measure would cover E-mail and text messaging. “Our legislation doesn’t just apply to children and school related incidents, but to anyone being victimized by electronic harassment, including through the Internet, text messaging or other means,” said Senator Connors. “Updating criminal statutes to keep pace with rapidly advancing technology and its uses has proven challenging for both legislative bodies and judicial systems. While this ongoing process continues to prove difficult, no potential loopholes can be allowed to exist whereby someone can avoid prosecution because the means they used to harass their victim is not currently covered under the law.”
Assemblyman Van Pelt went on to say, “Through our legislation we want to ensure that threatening language transmitted through electronic devices would carry with it a penalty under the state’s harassment statute. Providing a legal recourse for prosecutors and victims with no where to turn at the present time would be instrumental in stopping this form of abusive behavior which has taken on a new and disturbing form through everyday technology. When perpetrated over the Internet, this form of harassment has the ability to reach a significant number of people increasing the chances of causing serious emotional damage for persons, most likely children.”
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November 21, 2007
