Women’s Equality Day and Its Relevance to New Jersey Criminal Law

The Legal Roots of Equality

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. While voting rights are its historical foundation, the day also reflects ongoing efforts to ensure equal protection under the law—an issue that extends into New Jersey’s criminal courts.

Domestic Violence & Equal Protection

One area where gender and equality are closely tied to criminal law is domestic violence. In New Jersey, victims—regardless of gender—are protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.), which allows for restraining orders, criminal charges, and other remedies. Women’s Equality Day serves as an important reminder of how these laws are designed to safeguard rights and provide equal access to justice.

Equal Treatment in Criminal Proceedings

Equality also means ensuring fairness in how defendants are treated. Whether facing allegations of assault, harassment, or other charges, every individual is entitled to the same constitutional protections. Defense attorneys play a critical role in ensuring that bias—conscious or unconscious—does not affect a client’s rights in the courtroom.

Broader Implications

Women’s Equality Day is not only about history—it is about the continuing commitment to fairness. In the realm of criminal law, that commitment includes:

• Ensuring due process for all defendants.

• Protecting victims of crime equally, regardless of gender.

• Advocating for balanced sentencing and fair application of the law.

Closing Thought

As we observe Women’s Equality Day in New Jersey, it is worth remembering that equality is a cornerstone of justice. In criminal defense practice, honoring that principle means standing up for the rights of every client while ensuring the law protects victims fairly and without prejudice.