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Bill

A 1402

Concerns rights of juvenile defendants who elect to be tried as adults.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Karabinchak and 2 co-sponsors

Bill proposed procedural protections for juveniles tried as adults; withdrawn after similar protections passed separately in P.L.2025, c.368.

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.368.
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Bill Summary · A 1402

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1402 proposed to establish specific protections and procedural rights for juvenile defendants who are tried as adults in New Jersey courts. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn after the passage of P.L.2025, c.368, which apparently addressed the same or overlapping subject matter.

Why is this important

Juveniles tried as adults face adult criminal penalties and incarceration but may lack developmental maturity for adult court proceedings. Clarifying their rights affects due process protections, sentencing outcomes, and rehabilitation prospects for young defendants in serious cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of protections: Debate over which rights should differ for tried-as-adults juveniles versus purely adult defendants (confidentiality, sentencing alternatives, etc.)
  • Public safety vs. rehabilitation: Tension between holding youth accountable for serious crimes and preserving opportunities for rehabilitation
  • Consistency with P.L.2025, c.368: Uncertainty about whether the earlier law fully addressed the concerns this bill raised or simply made further legislation redundant

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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