A common legal defense against violent crime charges is to claim that the accused was acting in self-defense or attempting to protect others. While this is a legitimate legal strategy, there seem to be disparities in who is allowed to use it and how effective it is....
Most experts agree that America’s “war on drugs” has been an expensive failure. The costs are not limited to taxpayers, however. Countless Americans have received lengthy prison sentences for non-violent drug offenses. Marijuana, which is now legal or decriminalized...
A search of one’s belongings – by anyone – can feel incredibly invasive. You wouldn’t want someone rifling through your purse or backpack, nor would you be comfortable with someone looking around your home for whatever they might happen to find. But for many of us,...
The polygraph, or “lie detector” test, is a well-known piece of technology that most of us have seen in movies and television shows. But how often are these devices used in the “real world?” And are they reliable, or just another example of junk science? Three...
Fighting traffic tickets can seem like a headache you’d rather avoid by just paying a fine and moving on. It can be cumbersome and may take time and money. However, in certain cases, doing so can have significant short- and long-term benefits. How a traffic violation...
Whenever legislation is introduced, it is critical for lawmakers to consider the unintended consequences as well as the intended ones. Nearly every law has drawbacks, sometimes major ones, and well-intentioned legislators often fail to consider how their proposals...
When you are pulled over after perhaps one too many drinks and asked the take a breathalyzer test, your initial instinct might be to refuse, so there’s less evidence against you. However, refusing a breathalyzer in New Jersey may only worsen your situation. Can I...
In early 2021, New Jersey enacted a law legalizing possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana. In doing so, it joined a growing list of states choosing to decriminalize or legalize marijuana use, even as the drug remains illegal under federal law. Those...
Companies like Google, Apple and Facebook sometimes know more personal information about us than certain family and friends. And while big tech companies are quick to point out how they are keeping our data safe from others who may be trying to access it, they omit...
If you are charged with driving while intoxicated in New Jersey, you may face a range of consequences. In addition to any legal sanctions that you might be subject to, a drunk driving conviction may also cause a significant interruption to your career. There are many...