N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-26
Resisting or impeding performance of duties; violation of orders; punishment
Operative Text
Any person who shall willfully resist, prevent, impede or interfere with the Attorney General or any representative of the division in the performance of duty under this act, or shall willfully violate an order of the Attorney General, or the director, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by both; but procedure for the review of the order shall not be deemed to be such willful conduct. L.1945, c. 169, p. 598, s. 25. Amended by L.1949, c. 11, p. 48, s. 18; L.1963, c. 40, s. 17.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-26, New Jersey law makes it a misdemeanor to willfully obstruct, interfere with, or impede the Attorney General or a Division on Civil Rights representative while they carry out their duties, or to willfully violate an order issued by the Attorney General or the division director. A conviction can result in up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. Importantly, the law clarifies that pursuing a lawful review of an order does not itself constitute willful interference.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination should be aware that N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-26 imposes criminal liability on anyone who willfully obstructs or interferes with Division on Civil Rights investigators or enforcement personnel. Compliant operators generally cooperate with agency inquiries, respond to document requests, and comply with any orders issued by the Attorney General or division director. Seeking a formal legal review of an order through proper channels is explicitly protected and does not constitute a violation under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-26 is relevant to tenants who file discrimination complaints with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, because it protects the integrity of the agency's investigative process by making it a misdemeanor for anyone to obstruct or interfere with investigators or violate their orders. If a landlord or other party attempts to impede a Division investigation related to a tenant's complaint, that conduct may itself constitute a criminal violation under this provision. Tenants who believe interference is occurring may report such conduct to the Division on Civil Rights or consult a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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