crime-fraud exception (New Jersey) · Go Syfert
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crime-fraud exception in New Jersey

6 New Jersey opinions name it 2 courts 2013–2022 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Jersey courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (13)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. DRgreen
nj · 1988 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2014–2022
2 sentences

2022Observing that “[a]dding a crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege would amount to a ‘fundamental change’ with ‘serious and far-reaching consequences,’” we initiated the legislative process envisioned by the Evidence Act and “decline[d] to adopt the change on our own.” Id. at 243 (quoting State v. D.R., 109 N.J. 348, 352, 375 (1988)). 23 On November 9, 2015, the Legislature amended N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22 to create a crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege.

2014D.R., supra, 109 N.J. at 352, 375-76 , 537 A.2d 667 .

22
State v. Yolanda Terry and Teron Savoygreen
nj · 2014 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2021–2022
2 sentences

2022The Court held that N.J.R.E. 509 “should be amended to include a crime-fraud exception that is similar to the exceptions that apply in federal and state courts throughout the nation as well as other evidentiary rules in New Jersey.” Id. at 241 . (pp. 20-23) 2.

2022Bailey’s conviction of two counts of second-degree official misconduct, the Court considers whether the crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege governed text messages that defendant exchanged with her husband on September 16, 2014 -- after the Court proposed the exception in State v. Terry, 218 N.J. 224 (2014), but before the Legislature enacted it into law via L. 2015, c. 138, § 2.

22
State v. Szemplered
nj · 1994 · cited in 2 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2021
2 sentences

2013Those same public policy concerns support applying the crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege. “‘[Sjince the [marital communications] privilege has as its only effect the suppression of relevant evidence, its scope should be confined as narrowly as is consistent with the reasonable protection of marital communications.’ ” Szemple, supra, 135 N.J. at 415 , 640 A.2d 817 (quoting 1 McCormick on Evidence, supra, § 82, at 303).

2013Those same public policy concerns support applying the crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege. “‘[Sjince the [marital communications] privilege has as its only effect the suppression of relevant evidence, its scope should be confined as narrowly as is consistent with the reasonable protection of marital communications.’ ” Szemple, supra, 135 N.J. at 415 , 640 A.2d 817 (quoting 1 McCormick on Evidence, supra, § 82, at 303).

12
State v. Fourniergreen
nh · 2009 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022See, e.g., State v. Fournier, 965 A.2d 1091, 1094 (N.H. 2009) (construing a New Hampshire statute, N.H.

11
State v. Manngreen
nj · 2010 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022See State v. Patel, 239 N.J. 424 , 435 (2019) (“We review issues of law de novo and owe no deference to the interpretive conclusions of either the Appellate Division or Law Division.”); State v. Mann, 203 N.J. 328 , 337 19 (2010) (“[A] reviewing court owes no deference to the trial court in deciding matters of law.”).4 B.

11
State v. Demetrius Cope (074206).green
nj · 2016 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
1 sentence

2022See, e.g., State v. Cope, 224 N.J. 530, 555-56 (2016) (agreeing 31 The Legislature could have directed that the crime-fraud exception would apply to marital communications that preceded the amendment’s effective date.

11
In Re Selsergreen
nj · 1954 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020To establish the crime-fraud exception and thus the right to question an attorney before a grand jury about communications with a client, the State must establish "'something to give colour to the charge'; there must be 'prima facie evidence that it has some foundation in fact.'" In re Selser, 15 N.J. 393, 409 (1954) (quoting Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1, 15 (1933)).

11
Clark v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1933 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020To establish the crime-fraud exception and thus the right to question an attorney before a grand jury about communications with a client, the State must establish "'something to give colour to the charge'; there must be 'prima facie evidence that it has some foundation in fact.'" In re Selser, 15 N.J. 393, 409 (1954) (quoting Clark v. United States, 289 U.S. 1, 15 (1933)).

11
In the Matter of Steingreen
nj · 1949 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013Ibid.; accord In re Stein, 1 N.J. 228, 286 , 62 A.2d 801 (1949).

2013Ibid.; accord In re Stein, 1 N.J. 228, 286 , 62 A.2d 801 (1949).

11
Coleman v. Stategreen
md · 1977 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

11
State v. Gianakosgreen
minn · 2002 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

11
United States v. Irving Kahn and Minnie Kahngreen
ca7 · 1973 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013See United States v. Kahn, 471 F.2d 191 , 193-95 & n. 8 (7th Cir.1972) (rejecting the defendant’s reliance on 18 U.S.C.A. § 2517 (4) because the court found a crime-fraud exception to the federal marital communications privilege). 12 V.

2013See United States v. Kahn, 471 F.2d 191 , 193-95 & n. 8 (7th Cir.1972) (rejecting the defendant’s reliance on 18 U.S.C.A. § 2517 (4) because the court found a crime-fraud exception to the federal marital communications privilege). 12 V.

11
People v. Krankelgreen
illappct · 1982 · cited in 1 New Jersey opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
2 sentences

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New Jersey. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (13)

CaseCitedYears
State v. Mauti green
nj · 2012
2 sentences

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

22013–2014
State v. Byrd green
nj · 2009
1 sentence

2022Observing that “[a]dding a crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege would amount to a ‘fundamental change’ with ‘serious and far-reaching consequences,’” we initiated the legislative process envisioned by the Evidence Act and “decline[d] to adopt the change on our own.” Id. at 243 (quoting State v. D.R., 109 N.J. 348, 352, 375 (1988)). 23 On November 9, 2015, the Legislature amended N.J.S.A. 2A:84A-22 to create a crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege.

12022–2022
State v. J.L.G. green
nj · 2018
1 sentence

2022Considered in its entirety, the trial record does not suggest that the improper admission of the text messages under the crime-fraud exception to the marital privilege “led to an unjust verdict -- that is, a possibility ‘sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt’ that ‘the error led the jury to a result it otherwise might not have reached.’” J.L.G., 234 N.J. at 306 (quoting Macon, 57 N.J. at 335-36 ); see also Pressler & Verniero, cmt. on R. 1:7-5.

12022–2022
Carmell v. Texas green
scotus · 2000
1 sentence

2022R. 23-40 (noting that privileges “reflect legislative determinations of public policy considered to be more important than the evidence excluded”) . 30 Moreover, the crime-fraud exception to a privilege is not in the category of evidentiary rules that are “ordinarily evenhanded, in the sense that they may benefit either the State or the defendant in any given case.” Carmell, 529 U.S. at 533 n.23.

12022–2022
State v. MacOn green
nj · 1971
1 sentence

2022Considered in its entirety, the trial record does not suggest that the improper admission of the text messages under the crime-fraud exception to the marital privilege “led to an unjust verdict -- that is, a possibility ‘sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt’ that ‘the error led the jury to a result it otherwise might not have reached.’” J.L.G., 234 N.J. at 306 (quoting Macon, 57 N.J. at 335-36 ); see also Pressler & Verniero, cmt. on R. 1:7-5.

12022–2022
State v. Terry green
njsuperctappdiv · 2013
2 sentences

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

12014–2014
State v. Brown neutral
njsuperctappdiv · 1971
2 sentences

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

12014–2014
State v. Rose green
njsuperctappdiv · 2012
2 sentences

2014Defendants argue that if a crime-fraud exception is adopted, it should not apply to them because the State has not shown that they “were furthering a criminal activity ... [or] that they conspired to commit a crime.” If the Legislature and Governor approve a crime-fraud exception to Rule 509 before defendants’ *246 trial begins, and if the exception were found to be available in this case, see Rose, supra, 425 N.J.Super. 463 , 42 A.3d 172 (rejecting ex post facto challenge and holding that forfeiture-by-wrongdoing exception to hearsay rule applied to wrongdoing that occurred before new rule’s

2014Defendants argue that if a crime-fraud exception is adopted, it should not apply to them because the State has not shown that they “were furthering a criminal activity ... [or] that they conspired to commit a crime.” If the Legislature and Governor approve a crime-fraud exception to Rule 509 before defendants’ *246 trial begins, and if the exception were found to be available in this case, see Rose, supra, 425 N.J.Super. 463 , 42 A.3d 172 (rejecting ex post facto challenge and holding that forfeiture-by-wrongdoing exception to hearsay rule applied to wrongdoing that occurred before new rule’s

12014–2014
State v. Mauti green
njsuperctappdiv · 2010
2 sentences

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

2014In addition, the marital communications privilege continues to protect confidential communications made during the marriage even if the parties divorce, see id. at 533, 33 A.3d 1216 ; N.J.R.E. 509; the spousal privilege ceases to apply once the marriage ends, State v. Mauti, 416 N.J.Super. 178, 193 , 3 A.3d 624 (App.Div.2010), affd, Mauti, supra, 208 N.J. 519 , 33 A.3d 1216 ; State v. Brown, 113 N.J.Super. 348, 353 , 273 A.2d 783 (App.Div.1971). 2 The State conceded at oral argument before the Appellate Division, see Terry, supra, 430 N.J.Super. at 589 , 66 A.3d 177 and in its motion for leave

12014–2014
In Re Custodian of Records green
njsuperctappdiv · 2011
1 sentence

2013Id. at 192, 19 A.3d 1032 .

12013–2013
Matthews v. Hoagland green
njch · 1891
1 sentence

2013Matthews v. Hoagland, 48 N.J.

12013–2013
In Re Richardson green
nj · 1960
2 sentences

2013Prior to the Evidence Act of 1960, N.J.S.A. 2A84A-1 to -49, the attorney-client privilege, like its crime-fraud exception, had “never been formally set forth in either constitutional or statutory provision.” Richardson, supra, 31 N.J. at 396 , 157 A.2d 695 .

2013Prior to the Evidence Act of 1960, N.J.S.A. 2A84A-1 to -49, the attorney-client privilege, like its crime-fraud exception, had “never been formally set forth in either constitutional or statutory provision.” Richardson, supra, 31 N.J. at 396 , 157 A.2d 695 .

12013–2013
Smith v. State green
fladistctapp · 1977
1 sentence

2013Smith v. State, 344 So.2d 915 , 919 n. 2 (Fla.Dist.Ct.App.), cert. denied, 353 So.2d 679 (Fla.1977); People v. Krankel, 105 Ill.App.3d 988 , 61 Ill.Dec. 565 , 434 N.E.2d 1162, 1164 (1982); Coleman v. State, 281 Md. 538 , 380 A.2d 49, 54-55 (1977); State v. Gianakos, 644 N.W.2d 409, 420 (Minn.2002).

12013–2013

Where else courts name it

TX 29 (1991–2024) NY 26 (1988–2025) IL 19 (1984–2025) CA 18 (1988–2026) OH 16 (1998–2020) PA 16 (1991–2026) FL 15 (1997–2022) AZ 11 (1994–2025) MA 9 (1997–2024) WV 7 (1995–2022) MI 6 (1993–2024) GA 6 (2009–2017) CO 6 (1982–2018) MS 6 (1999–2014) OR 6 (1997–2016) NJ 6 (2013–2022) NC 6 (2003–2022) MD 5 (2003–2011) DE 5 (2005–2023) ME 4 (2009–2016) CT 4 (1994–2005) DC 4 (1992–2025) VA 4 (1993–2011) IN 4 (1999–2023) MO 3 (1993–2021) MN 3 (1991–2016) NV 3 (2022–2022) HI 3 (2002–2009) WA 2 (2003–2003) IA 2 (2022–2023) AK 2 (1990–2021) VT 2 (1991–2019) KS 2 (1999–2017) UT 2 (2023–2023)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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