New Jersey Assembly Bill A492

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Clarifies that encouraging another person to cause bodily injury, by filming, photographing, or otherwise recording injury-causing act, is form of crime of endangering injured victim.

Impact

The bill defines a person guilty of endangering an injured victim as one who causes bodily injury or solicits, aids, or encourages such injury while being aware that the victim is physically helpless or mentally incapacitated. The amendments included in A492 aim to address the rising concern regarding public safety and the rising incidents where bystanders merely record assaults instead of providing help. As a consequence, this could lead to a re-evaluation of bystander behavior during violent incidents, potentially fostering a culture of intervention.

Summary

Assembly Bill A492 seeks to amend the existing crime statute regarding the endangerment of injured victims in New Jersey. Specifically, it clarifies that encouraging another person to cause bodily injury by filming, photographing, or otherwise recording the act falls under the category of endangering an injured victim. This legislative move aims to enhance accountability among bystanders who witness violent incidents but do not take action to assist the victims.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention surrounding A492 is the balance between urging responsible behavior in bystanders and the implications this may have on freedom of speech, especially regarding recording public events. Critics may argue that this type of legislation could inadvertently penalize individuals who record events for evidence, while supporters contend that it is necessary to prevent further victimization of those who are unable to help themselves during violent acts. Additionally, there may be concerns on how this law will be enforced and the potential consequences that individuals may face under this classification of endangerment.