New Jersey Statutes 2A:84A-22.13. Findings, declarations
Terms Used In New Jersey Statutes 2A:84A-22.13
- Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
- State: extends to and includes any State, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia and the Canal Zone. See New Jersey Statutes 1:1-2
a. The emotional and psychological injuries that are inflicted on victims of violence are often more serious than the physical injuries suffered;
b. Counseling is often a successful treatment to ease the real and profound psychological trauma experienced by these victims and their families;
c. In the counseling process, victims of violence openly discuss their emotional reactions to the crime. These reactions are often highly intertwined with their personal histories and psychological profile;
d. Counseling of violence and victims is most successful when the victims are assured their thoughts and feelings will remain confidential and will not be disclosed without their permission; and
e. Confidentiality should be accorded all victims of violence who require counseling whether or not they are able to afford the services of private psychiatrists or psychologists.
Therefore, it is the public policy of this State to extend a testimonial privilege encompassing the contents of communications with a victim counselor and to render immune from discovery or legal process the records of these communications maintained by the counselor.
L. 1987, c. 169, s. 2.