NJ AJR16

Amends New Jersey Rules of Evidence (Rule 803) to create a new "fresh complaint" hearsay exception for statements relating to sexual assault or employment discrimination

Allows admission of victim statements made spontaneously and voluntarily, within a reasonable time after the incident, and to a person the victim would ordinarily turn to for support

Permits fresh complaint evidence to be used for assessing complainant credibility, negating inferences that delayed reporting indicates fabrication, and explaining the investigative process leading to arrest

Authorizes the New Jersey Supreme Court to adopt the new rule immediately after the Governor signs the Joint Resolution, without requiring presentation at a Judicial Conference

Applies to both criminal and civil cases involving sexual misconduct or employment discrimination claims