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Parents Could Be Punished in New Jersey if Children Commit These 28 Crimes
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In Gloucester Township, New Jersey, a new ordinance holds parents legally accountable for their children's actions.
Passed on July 28, 2025, police shared the news about the ordinance over social media on Thursday. The "Minors and Parent Responsibility" law stipulates that parents or guardians may face fines up to $2,000 or jail time up to 90 days if their child commits any of 28 specified offenses.
Newsweek has contacted the mayor of Gloucester Township for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Gloucester Township is among the first larger municipalities to implement such a measure. The ordinance encompasses a wide range of offenses, including felonies, disorderly conduct, loitering, curfew violations, chronic truancy, vandalism, drug-related activities, and associating with individuals involved in criminal behavior. If a minor is repeatedly found guilty in juvenile court, their parent or guardian may be held responsible.
A pair of handcuffs are seen in this stock image.
A pair of handcuffs are seen in this stock image.
Romain Fellens/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
What To Know
The law was enacted following a series of incidents involving juvenile disturbances. Notably, during the 2024 Gloucester Township Day and Drone Show, a large group of minors caused significant disruptions, leading to 11 arrests and injuries to three police officers. The ordinance aims to address such issues by promoting parental oversight and accountability.
The enforcement of the ordinance will be case-specific, with warnings typically issued before penalties are applied. The measure has garnered both support and criticism from the community. Some residents believe it will encourage better supervision of minors, while others express concerns about its fairness and potential overreach.
There are 28 offenses, covering everything from serious felonies to minor violations, that can hold parents, legal guardians, or other caregivers of children under 18 legally responsible if their child commits them.
Full list of offenses
